China’s extensive military display on Wednesday aimed to establish itself as the forerunner of a new global order, with the United States witnessing a decline in its alliances, experts informed CBC News. The grand parade, the largest in China’s recent history, exhibited advanced weaponry to commemorate 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War II. Preceding this event was a diplomatic summit where Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged with various world leaders.
Accompanied by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, the latter marking the first North Korean leader to attend a Chinese military function in 66 years, the three leaders, often isolated by the Western nations, made a significant presence. Vina Nadjibulla, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation in Vancouver, highlighted that China’s meticulously orchestrated events aimed to position the country at the core of an “alternative global order” while the U.S. was seen as dismantling the post-World War II order.
Nadjibulla emphasized that China is capitalizing on the strained relationships the U.S. has with its allies. The military parade featured a display of new weaponry, including lasers, nuclear ballistic missiles, and large underwater drones, some of which were revealed for the first time. The message conveyed was one of China’s strength and readiness for any circumstance, be it war or peace.
According to Aurel Braun, a professor at the University of Toronto, China is striving to create an international system that is resistant to American influence. This move indicates China’s ambition to become the leading global power and urges nations to align with China for progress. The display of power was perceived as unsettling by neighboring countries like Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Despite initial comments from U.S. President Donald Trump downplaying the parade’s significance, his subsequent social media post conveyed a different sentiment, emphasizing the U.S.’ role in China’s historical freedom from Japan. Braun pointed out the embarrassment Trump faced in comparison to China’s military parade, highlighting the apparent camaraderie between Putin and Xi.
In conclusion, the event showcased China’s rising dominance on the global stage, with Xi, Kim, and Putin sharing a platform to assert China’s ascendancy while reinforcing international organizations’ significance. Despite concerns over China’s growing power, Xi’s intention seems to be maintaining the existing global order while elevating China’s position within it. The international community, including Russia and North Korea, remains cautious of China’s expanding influence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.