On September 3, 2025, Beijing’s Tiananmen Square held one of the biggest military displays in modern history. This event marked China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. At a time when the world faces increased geopolitical tension, the parade served not only as a commemoration. It also highlighted China’s military growth and its shift in strategy.

“The event signals a changing world order, where authoritarian powers are uniting against Western dominance.”

President Xi Jinping, dressed in a Mao-style suit, stood atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace, overseeing a spectacle that combined historical reverence with the latest lethal technology. In my opinion, the event signals a changing world order, where authoritarian powers are uniting against Western dominance, potentially precipitating a new era of conflict.

The parade began at 9 a.m., attended by about 50,000 spectators, as the capital was locked down under tight security measures for weeks. More than 10,000 troops marched in precise formations, accompanied by a thunderous parade of modern weapons passing along Chang’an Avenue. China unveiled a series of new military hardware, underscoring its rapid modernization drive under Xi’s leadership.

Highlights included nuclear-capable missiles such as the Dongfeng-31, Dongfeng-61, and DF-26D, known as the “Guam Killer” for its 4,000-kilometer range that can hit U.S. bases in the Pacific. Hypersonic anti-ship missiles such as the Yingjie-17, Yingjie-19, and Yingjie-20 demonstrated Beijing’s superiority in fast, survivable capabilities. Drones stole the show: underwater versions for naval operations, airborne “loyal wingman” drones for coordinated air combat, and unmanned helicopters designed for ship-based launches.

Cruise missiles such as the Chang’e-20A and truck-mounted air defense lasers further underscored China’s move toward coordinated, multi-domain warfare. Cultural elements added to the lavish festivities, with 80 buglers and more than 1,000 musicians playing songs from the resistance era. Xi’s speech struck a rebellious tone, declaring that humanity faces a choice between “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero sum.” He reaffirmed China’s commitment to standing on the right side of history, an implicit taunt at rivals like the United States and Japan. The statements, amid domestic economic woes, seemed to inflame local nationalism and demonstrate unchanging resolve abroad.

“Hypersonic missiles, nuclear-capable systems, and drones underscored China’s rapid modernization drive.”

The guest list was perhaps most telling, revealing the parade’s underlying tensions. Xi was joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, marking a rare trinity of authoritarian heavyweights. Kim, attending his first such event in China, brought his teenage daughter Kim Jo-ah on her first international trip, marking a family continuity. He was joined by Iranian President Masoud Peshmerga, who some observers call an “axis of chaos” challenging the US-led system.

Other participants included Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Mongolian President Khoresultan Ukhna, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Vietnamese President Lunguang, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Maldivian President Mohamed Morsi, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

European exceptions were Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who were skipping the Western boycott. Notably, Taiwanese politicians attended despite Taipei’s restrictions, including Kuomintang figures such as Hung Hsiu-Chu, He Luing, Lee Tew, and Hsu Cheng-wen, and New Party members such as Wu Ching-Din and Lee Sheng-Feng.

The descendants of American WWII hero Claire Le Chenault, of Flying Tigers fame, represented a rare American connection. Most Western leaders were absent, with Japan discouraging attendance amid historical grievances. Former US President Donald Trump, who was invited, did not attend but later took to social media to accuse Xi, Putin, and Kim of a “conspiracy” against the US.

“Xi’s speech declared humanity faces a choice between ‘peace or war, dialogue or confrontation.’”

In my opinion, this parade is not just a spectacle, it is a calculated display of muscle in a multipolar world. China’s partnerships with Russia, North Korea, and Iran form a group that can push back against Western sanctions and influence, stretching from Ukraine to the Middle East. Critics may call it military showmanship, but it’s difficult to overlook the double standards: the United States frequently showcases its weapons.

Beijing’s display, during rising tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, serves as a warning. It reminds opponents of the costs of conflict. However, this may increase the likelihood of military clashes. Xi Jinping’s ambition of “peace or war” overlooks the complexities of diplomacy.

“Western dominance is fading, and these events indicate what lies ahead.”

The 2025 Victory Day parade reflects Xi Jinping’s vision of a strong China that is poised to shape the 21st century. Whether this results in stability or conflict relies on how the world responds. In uncertain times, shows of power can either deter aggression or stir it up. As global powers shift, one thing is clear: Western dominance is fading, and these events indicate what lies ahead.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.