Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the nation during a parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in a powerful display of military strength, on Wednesday.
Xi emphasised that the world today faces a crucial decision between peace and war, and between dialogue and confrontation.
The President began his address by remembering the victims of the war and called for the eradication of war’s root causes to prevent its recurrence. However, his main message focused on China’s current standing and its future direction. “The Chinese people are a people that are not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong,” Xi stated, asserting China’s readiness to play a leading role on the world stage.
Xi reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development, saying, “We will adhere to the path of peaceful development and work hand in hand with people of all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
The parade, which followed Xi’s speech, featured troops marching in precise formation, their boots echoing down the streets, as the President, also the head of the military as chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed them from a special platform, reports AP/UNB.
The event showcased an array of military hardware, including missiles and modern fighter jets, some of which were being shown to the public for the first time.
Prior to the march, Xi drove along the length of the military formations in a classic-style black limousine, along Beijing’s central Chang’an Avenue. He stood through a roof opening to greet troops and waves of military vehicles, with microphones lined up in front of him. The soldiers responded with chants, including “We serve the people.”
The ceremony began with a solemn 80-gun salute, commemorating the 80 years since the war’s conclusion. It was followed by the national anthem, the “March of the Volunteers,” a symbol of China’s resistance against Japanese forces.
Xi was joined at the parade by invited guests, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The three leaders arrived at the historic Tiananmen Gate, where Xi greeted them with handshakes before leading them to the viewing platform, overlooking the Tiananmen Square. They greeted five WWII veterans, some of whom are centenarians.
US President Donald Trump, commenting on social media, questioned whether Xi would acknowledge the contributions of American soldiers, adding, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
Although Xi did not directly mention the United States, he expressed gratitude for the foreign countries that supported China during the war.
For China, the 80th anniversary serves as both a reflection on the country’s past and a celebration of its current strength. China’s significant role in WWII, often overshadowed by events in Europe and the Pacific, was highlighted, as the country seeks to portray itself as a strong, independent force on the global stage.
The military display also reinforces domestic support for Xi and the Communist Party, with Xi concluding his speech by stating, “The Chinese people’s rejuvenation cannot be blocked, and the noble goal of the peaceful development of human civilisation must triumph.”
