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A Stage Set in Beijing

Beijing hosted one of its largest-ever military parades on Wednesday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. President Xi Jinping delivered a speech warning that the world faces a defining choice between “peace or war” and “dialogue or confrontation.” The highly choreographed event at Tiananmen Square showcased missiles, tanks, drones, fighter jets, and cutting-edge autonomous vehicles, highlighting China’s growing military capabilities.

Over 20 world leaders attended, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Western leaders, however, were notably absent — signaling a shift in global alliances and China’s growing influence in Asia.

Trump’s Counterattack

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking on Truth Social, responded sharply. He urged Xi to recognize America’s role in securing China’s wartime freedom while accusing Beijing of conspiring against Washington. Trump even added a pointed remark: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”

This rhetorical clash underscores how the U.S.-China relationship, already strained by trade disputes and geopolitical tensions, continues to fray.

Military Might and Political Signals

Xi’s remarks emphasized sovereignty and territorial integrity, a veiled reference to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. Official parade narrators also highlighted China’s push for cyber and information security — a growing frontier in modern conflicts.

Analysts say the parade was as much about messaging as military strength. “The foreign delegations in attendance will demonstrate shifting patterns in Chinese influence,” noted Jeremy Chan of Eurasia Group, pointing to the presence of eight Southeast Asian leaders while South Korea’s president declined the invitation.

Kim Jong Un’s surprise appearance, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, also raised eyebrows. Experts noted her prominent positioning signaled her rising role as North Korea’s unofficial “second-in-command,” even at international events.

Trade Tensions Still in Play

Despite the dramatic optics, U.S.-China trade negotiations remain ongoing. Tariff battles that escalated earlier this year — with steep tit-for-tat duties on billions of dollars’ worth of goods — have softened slightly, with both nations agreeing to suspend most tariffs until mid-November. Observers believe a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi in the coming months could determine the path forward.

Neil Thomas of the Asia Society highlighted the broader stakes: “China’s gravitational pull in regional diplomacy shows the progress it has made, especially as uncertainty grows about Washington’s willingness to secure long-term trade and investment agreements in Asia.”

Global Context and Alliances

The parade coincided with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where Xi, Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were seen engaging on the sidelines. Days earlier, Xi sat next to Putin at Moscow’s May parade, reinforcing the alignment between the two leaders. On Tuesday, Xi and Putin signed a landmark deal to advance the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, strengthening their economic partnership.

Meanwhile, North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to strain U.S.-China relations, as Washington accuses Beijing of indirectly supporting Moscow. China has denied these claims, instead positioning itself as a peacemaker.

A Parade of History and Power

China has a tradition of staging grand parades to mark historic moments. The last major one in 2019 celebrated the 70th anniversary of Communist rule, where Xi declared that “no force can stop the Chinese nation forging ahead.” In 2015, Putin, South Korea’s Park Geun-hye, and representatives from the U.S. and France were present.

This year’s parade — billed as the “80th anniversary of the country’s victory against Japanese aggression and the world’s victory against fascism” — ended with the symbolic release of doves and balloons, underscoring the tension between China’s calls for peace and its demonstrations of military power.