China’s President Xi Jinping has deliberately paired the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin and a large military parade in Beijing, with guests including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, as well as the leader of Iran. Stated as a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of World War II, this orchestrated gathering showcased China and its growing military force.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s military parade: Diplomatic theatre or regional instability?
President Xi Jinping warned about the “unstoppable” nature of China. The preceding SCO summit was overshadowed by the deliberate projection of China’s military strength, an unmistakable signal to both domestic and foreign audiences. The “Victory Day” parade combination of guests has led strategists to name the presence an “axis of upheaval,” suggesting a symbolic reshaping of global influence.
At the SCO summit, President Xi stated China’s intentions as a global power, positioning itself with non-Western markets, signaling cohesion at a diplomatic level – especially between Asia-Pacific nations. Russia, North Korea, and Iran’s presence at the summit and the military parade especially portrays an anti-West bloc. This can be seen as a move to unite the East and grow diplomatic relations between these nations. This can also be seen as a source for heightened geopolitical tensions, with Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and other ASEAN members possibly raising defense in response to China’s overall message and the signals sent by the parade.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to China has the West worried
Considering the guests of these events, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin should be spotlighted. Already, an anti-West bloc can be identified clearly, with Iran and North Korea both supplying weaponry and troops to Russia in its war against Ukraine. This directly contradicts the effort of Western markets, as they desperately increase pressure to end the war and isolate Moscow.
The link between the SCO summit and the military parade may be purposeful. Still, no other information was given regarding diplomatic interactions. Thus, the military parade could be interpreted as a standalone signal of strength, unrelated to the SCO summit except in terms of international traction, public optics, and attention from larger powers.
Tribute or threat? Jinping’s anti-American views are igniting global discussions about alliances
At the celebration of the 80th anniversary of World War II, China’s largest military parade in history, Xi Jinping emphasized that there would be a time to choose between “peace or war.” These words, along with the expansive display of advanced weaponry and the inclusion of non-Western leaders, show dedication to past struggles but also enforce a message of deterrence.
Some of the weaponry displayed included hypersonic missiles, nuclear-capable missiles, and underwater drones. The event went on to feature hundreds of tanks, more than 100 aircraft, and over 10,000 soldiers drawn from multiple military units across the country.
U.S. allies may be aggravated by the celebration of Japan’s defeat in WW II
Concerning geopolitical tensions, the parade commemorated China’s defeat of Japan in World War II, which could possibly result in the aggravation of other United States allies. It is clear s preparing to implement plans that will bring about a “new world order,” one not centered around the United States, but rather an Eastern-led international order backed by military and economic weight.
Already, within a few days of the SCO summit and military parade, India’s Prime Minister has embraced Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, a powerful outcome signaling China’s power across international affairs. With India increasing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US, mostly due to its purchases of Russia’s oil – the main source of funding for Russia’s war on Ukraine – China’s influence appears to be quietly shaping strategic choices across the region.