China's Grand Military Parade: A Display of Power and Paranoia

Sat Sep 13 2025 23:12:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As China prepares for its monumental military parade in Beijing, the event not only celebrates historical victory but also serves as a showcase of growing global influence—amidst heightened security measures and a backdrop of domestic challenges.

China's upcoming military parade marks 80 years since Japan's surrender in World War II. Set against the iconic Tiananmen Square, the event will feature both foreign dignitaries and advanced military technology. While positioning President Xi Jinping as a pivotal global player, the intensive security reflects underlying domestic unrest and economic concerns.

The stage is set in the heart of Beijing for a grand display of power and military might that has been choreographed by President Xi Jinping. Eight giant Chinese flags flutter alongside Mao Zedong's portrait at Tiananmen Square, as rows of seats await 26 foreign heads of state, including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, whose presence signifies a diplomatic victory for Xi.

Scheduled to commemorate 80 years since Japan's defeat in World War II, this celebration goes beyond the anniversary. This week has seen Xi host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time in seven years, as well as a record turnout of world leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

The parade, expected to showcase advanced military capabilities, such as hypersonic weapons, is a high-stakes reminder of China's growing assertiveness. With both domestic pride and geopolitical ambition at stake, this parade is intricately intertwined with the nation's narrative of resilience and resistance, particularly in the face of current economic difficulties.

In preparation for the spectacle, Beijing has surged into a state of heightened security measures—a reflection of unease within the populace. International journalists have faced increased scrutiny, while public areas are highly monitored. The fervor surrounding the parade is equally emphasized by the drastic changes to everyday life, with schools and businesses shuttering in anticipation of the tightly controlled event.

But while authorities orchestrate a display of strength, they grapple with a range of domestic issues including youth unemployment and a declining economy. The Communist Party's narrative of a glorious history often clashes with the realities faced by the populace, generating a complex backdrop of pride, paranoia, and potential discontent.

This juxtaposition of power and caution highlights the multiple dimensions of China's military parade, ultimately serving both as a celebration and a carefully curated symbol of stability amidst unease.