China Victory Day Parade: Putin, Kim, and the ‘Axis of Upheaval
Here’s a breakdown of the key facts from the provided text, organized for clarity:
1. The Event: China’s 75th Anniversary Military Parade
Date & Location: beijing, Tiananmen Square
Importance: One of China’s largest military displays in years, showcasing the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Focus: Demonstrating China’s military strength and its growing influence on the world stage.
2. Key Attendees & Diplomatic Alignment
Confirmed Guests:
Vladimir putin (Russia) – Guest of Honor
Min Aung Hlaing (Myanmar junta chief)
Robert Fico (Prime minister of Slovakia)
Aleksandar Vučić (President of Serbia)
Li Junhua (UN Under-Secretary-General)
Western Absence: Most Western leaders are not attending.
“Axis of Upheaval”: The attendance of China, Russia, and leaders from the Global South is being framed as a show of solidarity against the Western-led global order.
slovakia & Serbia’s Positions: Both Fico and Vučić have taken stances that diverge from typical EU policy regarding Russia (Fico visited Moscow,Vučić seeks good relations with both Russia and China).
3. Military Hardware on Display
Cutting-Edge Equipment: Fighter jets, missile defense systems, hypersonic weapons. Specific Weapons:
DF-26 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (“Guam killer”) – capable of hitting US bases.
ying Ji Anti-Ship Missiles (“Eagle Attack”) - designed to counter US naval threats.
4. Domestic Impact & Propaganda
Disruption: Beijing residents have experienced disruption to daily life in readiness for the parade.
Historical Narrative: A campaign is underway to emphasize China and the Soviet Union’s role in WWII, claiming China’s contribution has been “selectively ignored” and the CCP’s efforts “deliberately belittled.”
Past Precedent: The 2015 parade led to a nationwide public holiday and school delays.
5. Expert Analysis
Xi’s Goal: To project strength, power, and international acceptance.
* Reshaping Global Order: The parade is seen as an attempt to demonstrate influence over nations seeking to challenge the Western-led global order.