China Stages Largest-Ever Military Parade at Tiananmen Square; Xi Jinping Warns Humanity Must Choose Between Peace or War
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a dazzling display of military might and political symbolism, China staged its largest-ever military parade at Beijing’s iconic Tiananmen Square. The historic event marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II and brought together leaders from across the globe – though noticeably absent were Western heads of state.
At the heart of the spectacle was President Xi Jinping, dressed in a Mao-style suit, addressing a massive gathering of over 50,000 people. Delivering a pointed message to the world, Xi declared: “Humanity must choose between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and shared benefit or mutual loss. The people of China will always stand firmly on the right side of history.”
The grand parade featured cutting-edge hypersonic missiles, unmanned drones, modern tanks, and other advanced weaponry, underscoring China’s growing military strength. Xi personally welcomed more than 20 foreign leaders, including the President of Indonesia, while Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended as special guests – a bold show of solidarity amid their international isolation due to the Ukraine war and global sanctions.
In contrast, Western leaders boycotted the event, signaling geopolitical divisions. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump blasted the parade as a “conspiracy against America,” though he simultaneously emphasized his “good personal relations with Xi.”
The Chinese leader also urged his nation to remember the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle against Japanese aggression, framing the commemoration as both a reminder of history and a call for national unity.
Analysts say the parade not only celebrated a historical milestone but also showcased China’s military ambitions and growing diplomatic influence in a world marked by shifting power blocs.