In a dazzling display of military might and diplomatic maneuvering, China's President Xi Jinping hosted a monumental parade in Beijing to commemorate 80 years since China's victory over Japan in World War II. This event not only showcased advanced weaponry but also highlighted shifting global alliances, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un standing prominently alongside Xi. As tensions rise with the West, particularly the United States under President Donald Trump, this gathering sent ripples through international relations. From laser weapons to AI-powered drones, the parade underscored China's technological prowess and strategic ambitions. In this in-depth rewrite, we explore the key moments, geopolitical implications, and expert analyses surrounding this historic event.
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The Grand Parade: A Symbol of China's Rising Power
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The military parade in Tiananmen Square was a choreographed masterpiece, drawing global attention for its scale and symbolism. Thousands of troops marched in perfect unison, accompanied by a formidable array of hardware that included nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, state-of-the-art laser systems, and massive underwater drones. This wasn't just a celebration of historical victory; it was a bold statement of China's current and future military capabilities.
BBC's China correspondent described the event as a "show of power," emphasizing how it reflected Beijing's confidence on the world stage. With a guard of honor carrying the Chinese flag and formations of soldiers saluting from advanced vehicles, the parade blended tradition with cutting-edge innovation. The presence of foreign leaders added an extra layer of intrigue, transforming the event into a platform for international diplomacy.
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Historic Gathering of Leaders: Xi, Putin, and Kim Unite
For the first time ever, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un appeared together in public, creating an enduring image of solidarity among these authoritarian powers. Joined by heads of state from over two dozen countries, the trio walked the red carpet and ascended the stage, projecting a united front against perceived Western dominance.
Kim Jong Un arrived with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, sparking speculation about North Korea's dynastic future. However, experts like Professor Hazel Smith from the School of Oriental and African Studies cautioned against overinterpretation. "It's not a sign that this young person will definitely be the next leader," Smith noted, highlighting that Kim also has a son who rarely appears publicly. Instead, her presence reinforces the Kim family's enduring grip on power, signaling no intention to cede control to alternative governance structures.
The event contrasted sharply with the 2015 parade marking the 70th anniversary, where South Korea's President Park Geun-hye stood beside Xi and Putin, while North Korea sent a mere official. A decade later, roles have reversed: Kim stole the spotlight, and South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung declined the invitation, opting to send the parliament speaker. This shift underscores Seoul's deepening ties with the US and Japan, forming a counter-alliance to the Beijing-Moscow-Pyongyang axis.
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Sideline Talks: Putin and Kim Deepen Ties
On the margins of the parade, Putin and Kim held a significant two-and-a-half-hour meeting, further cementing their partnership. Russian state media reported that Putin invited Kim to Russia, with the North Korean leader wishing him good health and success. The discussions reportedly touched on North Korea's support for Russia's efforts in Ukraine, where Pyongyang has already supplied weapons and troops.
Kim described aiding Russia as North Korea's "fraternal duty," while Putin praised Kim's forces for joining the fight against "neo-Nazism." As the meeting concluded, Putin escorted Kim to his car, a gesture symbolizing their growing camaraderie. This interaction highlights the deepening military and economic cooperation between the two nations, amid ongoing global sanctions.
Meanwhile, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico also met with Putin, illustrating Moscow's efforts to maintain influence despite isolation from much of the West.
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Trump's Fiery Response: Accusations of Conspiracy
Absent from the parade, US President Donald Trump took to social media to lambast the gathering. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote: "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America." This pointed jab accused Xi of plotting with his counterparts to undermine American interests.
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov dismissed the claims as "ironic," insisting that the leaders were "not even thinking about a conspiracy against the United States." He emphasized their awareness of Washington's role in global affairs but rejected any malicious intent. Trump's outburst reflects heightened US-China tensions, particularly over trade, technology, and regional security issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
This exchange adds fuel to the narrative of a new Cold War divide, with the parade serving as a visual manifesto of resistance to US-led alliances.
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Unveiling China's Arsenal: From Drones to Nuclear Submarines
The parade's star attractions were the weapons on display, many making their public debut. Highlights included the GJ-11 stealth drone, part of China's unmanned combat aerial vehicle fleet, and the AJX-002—a colossal 60-foot underwater drone capable of nuclear operations. These systems demonstrate Beijing's focus on asymmetric warfare and technological superiority.
Other innovations featured laser weapons for precision strikes, advanced ballistic missiles for long-range deterrence, and "robotic wolves"—dog-like machines designed for reconnaissance, mine detection, and even combat roles. Experts interpret this as China's pivot toward AI-integrated warfare, drawing lessons from conflicts like Ukraine, where drones have proven decisive.
Defense analyst Michael Raska noted that China aims to "augment and replace traditional structures" with AI, enabling faster decision-making in the "kill chain." Alexander Neill added that AI allows for "nanosecond" responses, giving a critical edge in modern battles. Unlike many nations hesitant about AI in lethal systems, China appears fully committed, believing it can maintain control over these technologies.
The parade also served as a sales pitch to potential buyers, with countries like Myanmar already major clients. For allies like Russia and North Korea, it offered opportunities to acquire or collaborate on advanced arms, extending China's global influence.
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Geopolitical Shifts: A Counter-Trio Emerges
The event's broader implications reveal a realigning world order. As Tessa Wong, Asia Digital Reporter, observed, the parade pitched Chinese arms to international buyers while signaling unity against the US. Neill suggested it warns Washington that challenging this bloc could mean multi-front conflicts across Ukraine, the Korean Peninsula, and the Taiwan Straits.
Jean Mackenzie, Seoul correspondent, highlighted the role reversal between North and South Korea, with the former now central to the axis and the latter aligning firmly with the US-Japan partnership. President Lee Jae Myung's absence underscores Seoul's priorities, especially under Trump's administration, which demands loyalty from allies.
Western attendance was sparse, with only Slovakia's Robert Fico and Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic representing Europe. Both have pro-Russia leanings: Vucic balances EU aspirations with ties to Beijing and Moscow, while Fico pushes for normalized relations with Russia despite Slovakia's NATO and EU membership. Fico's presence drew criticism from EU officials, who view China as an enabler of Russia's Ukraine war.
Fico defended his trip, stating a "new world order is being formed" and hinting at messages for Ukrainian President Zelensky. This reflects fractures within the West, where some leaders prioritize national interests over collective stances.
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Expert Insights: Dynasties, AI, and Global Influence
Professor Hazel Smith's analysis on the Kim dynasty emphasizes continuity over change. The family's public displays, like Kim Ju Ae’s appearance, project stability and deter internal challenges.
On weaponry, Raska and Neill's commentaries stress China's aggressive AI adoption. "Alacrity in the kill chain matters," Neill said, noting how drones can overwhelm defenses. This strategy could redefine warfare, prioritizing speed and automation.
The parade's guest list— including leaders from Pakistan, Vietnam, Iran, Serbia, and Zimbabwe—illustrates China's outreach to the Global South. By inviting figures like Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif, Xi bolsters economic and military ties, countering US influence.
In summary, this parade was more than a historical commemoration; it was a strategic masterstroke. It showcased China's military evolution, forged alliances, and challenged the status quo, all while drawing sharp reactions from global powers.
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Conclusion: Implications for the Future
As the dust settles on Beijing's grand spectacle, the world grapples with its ramifications. The Xi-Putin-Kim trio symbolizes a resilient counterweight to Western dominance, potentially escalating tensions in hotspots like Ukraine and Taiwan. With Trump's administration watching closely, diplomatic maneuvers will intensify.
China's weapon unveils signal a tech-driven military future, where AI and drones dominate. For observers, this event marks a pivotal moment in 21st-century geopolitics, where old victories inspire new ambitions.