BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech on Wednesday, asserting that humanity faces a critical choice between peace and war, as well as dialogue and confrontation. This address coincided with a major military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Opening his remarks, Xi paid tribute to the veterans of the war while emphasizing the necessity of eliminating the roots of war to prevent the past from repeating itself. He highlighted China's current strength, stating that the nation fears no one and is prepared to undertake a leading role on the global stage. "The Chinese people are a people that are not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong," Xi declared. He reinforced China's commitment to peaceful development, expressing a desire to collaborate with other nations to forge a shared future for humanity.
The military parade, lasting approximately 90 minutes, showcased advanced military hardware including missiles and fighter jets, some of which were displayed for the first time. Troops marched in synchronized formations along Beijing's central Chang'an Avenue, where Xi, serving as chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the military display from a black limousine. He greeted personnel and military formations as they shouted mottos such as "We serve the people."
Key highlights of the parade included:
- Hypersonic missiles, which are designed to target naval vessels, drawing concern from the U.S. Navy that operates in the Western Pacific.
- Underwater drones like the AJX002, resembling slender submarines.
- A new intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-61, capable of transporting nuclear warheads over long distances.
Fighter jets and bombers performed aerial displays, with some aircraft producing colorful exhaust trails in unison. Notably, a formation of 26 helicopters depicted the number "0800" to mark the 80th anniversary of the war's end. The event commenced with an 80-gun artillery salute, followed by the national anthem, "March of the Volunteers," highlighting China's enduring spirit since its resistance against Japanese invasion.
The parade was attended by prominent guests, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, along with about two dozen other foreign leaders who watched from the historic Tiananmen Gate. In a gesture of solidarity, Xi, Putin, and Kim paused to shake hands with several WWII veterans, some of whom were over 100 years old.
As the military spectacle unfolded, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement questioning whether Xi would acknowledge the sacrifices of American soldiers during the war, further emphasizing the complex diplomatic climate surrounding the event. He remarked, "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America."
From a domestic perspective, the commemoration served as an opportunity for China to showcase its progress since the war. Millions perished during Japan’s invasion, making the anniversary a poignant reminder of the past. It provided a platform to bolster support for the Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping, positioning China as a potential alternative to the U.S.-dominated global order established post-WWII. Xi stated, "The Chinese people's rejuvenation cannot be blocked, and the noble goal of the peaceful development of human civilization must triumph."
The parade featured diverse units from the People's Liberation Army, including traditional army and navy forces as well as newer formations focused on cyberspace and information security. Xi emphasized that the PLA is a trustworthy military, tasked with safeguarding China’s sovereignty and unification, explicitly referencing China's claims to Taiwan.
