China’s 80th Anniversary WWII Victory Parade: History, Power, and Global Messaging

On September 3, 2025, China staged a spectacular military parade in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia and the nation’s victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War.

This event was more than commemoration; it was a vivid display of military modernization, diplomatic alignment, and historical narrative shaping.

The Historical Weight of Victory DayFor China, World War II did not start in 1939 but in 1931, with the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. What followed was over a decade of devastating conflict, culminating in the formal surrender of Japan in September 1945.

China suffered immense losses—over 35 million casualties, both civilian and military—making it one of the hardest-hit nations of the war. This sacrifice forms a cornerstone of China’s national memory and shapes its global posture today.

By holding the parade, the Chinese leadership sought to remind the world of the country’s historic suffering, resilience, and decisive contribution to victory over fascism in Asia.

Pageantry in Beijing: What the World Saw

The 2025 parade featured:Over 10,000 troops marching in tight formations along Chang’an AvenueHundreds of tanks, armored vehicles, and missile launchers. More than 100 aircraft, including stealth fighters and drones.

Newly unveiled weapons, including hypersonic missiles and the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile.

The event opened with an 80-gun salute, symbolizing each year since victory in 1945, followed by the national anthem, March of the Volunteers. Fighter jets flew in synchronized patterns above Tiananmen Square, while ground troops and mechanized brigades marched in perfect discipline.

For domestic audiences, this was a proud moment of national unity. For international observers, it was a statement: China’s military power is modern, self-reliant, and rapidly expanding.

The Narrative: Remembering Sacrifice, Projecting Strength. Beijing framed the parade as both remembrance and warning.

Remembrance: Honoring the millions who perished in the fight against Japanese invasion, while underlining the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) role in achieving victory.

Warning: Reinforcing the idea that foreign aggression will never again succeed against a strong and united China.

State media emphasized that the parade was about peace, sovereignty, and stability, but the powerful military imagery also communicated deterrence to rivals in the Asia-Pacific.

International Guests: Strategic Alignments on Display

The parade was not just domestic theater—it was a diplomatic showcase. On the Tiananmen rostrum stood President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Their presence highlighted an emerging strategic bloc of non-Western powers, united in counterbalancing Western influence.

Other foreign dignitaries included leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, signaling Beijing’s efforts to consolidate influence in Southeast Asia.

Interestingly, former Australian politicians Dan Andrews and Bob Carr also attended, sparking debates back home about the implications of legitimizing China’s narrative.

The absence of Western leaders, particularly from the United States, Europe, and Japan, was equally symbolic—highlighting the growing divide between China and the West over history, security, and global order.

Diverging Reactions: Unity at Home, Skepticism Abroad

Domestic Reception

Inside China, the parade was widely celebrated. Museums opened their doors for free, patriotic documentaries aired on national TV, and social media platforms amplified the theme of “never forget national humiliation, never allow it again.”

The event also reinforced the legitimacy of the Communist Party by linking its leadership to China’s victory in WWII and its current rise as a global power.

Taiwan’s PerspectiveIn Taiwan, the response was mixed.The Kuomintang (KMT) argued that the parade distorted history by minimizing the role of the Nationalist government in defeating Japan.

Taiwanese officials criticized the show of force as intimidation, especially given the island’s current tensions with Beijing.

International Viewpoints

Global reactions varied widely:

Supporters: Some countries, especially in Asia, saw the event as a rightful commemoration of sacrifice and victory.

Skeptics: Analysts in the West labeled the parade a calculated distortion of history and a projection of authoritarian power rather than a celebration of peace.

Institutes such as the Hudson Institute warned that the parade was part of a broader attempt to rewrite WWII memory by elevating China and the Soviet Union while sidelining the U.S. and other Allies.

The Themes Behind the Parade

1. Rewriting Historical Memory

The CCP positions itself as the central force in China’s WWII resistance. Critics note this downplays the crucial role of the U.S. “Flying Tigers” and the Nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek.

2. Showcasing Military Power

From drones to hypersonic missiles, the weaponry underscored that China’s defense industry is now globally competitive and technologically sophisticated.

3. Projecting Global Influence

By hosting leaders like Putin and Kim, China demonstrated its role as a hub of non-Western alliances, challenging U.S.-led coalitions in Asia.

4. Strengthening Domestic Unity

By blending past sacrifice with present-day strength, the CCP strengthened its nationalist legitimacy and rallied citizens around the theme of rejuvenation.

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Memory, Power, and Future Ambitions

China’s 80th Anniversary WWII Victory Parade was not just a commemoration—it was a stage-managed blend of history, nationalism, and power projection.

By remembering sacrifice while showcasing cutting-edge weapons, Beijing reinforced its image as both victim and victor, shaping narratives at home and abroad.

For its people, the parade was a reminder of national pride and unity. For the world, it was a powerful signal: China is no longer just remembering its past—it is actively shaping the future global order.