Beijing’s message was clear: We are a great power and a force for good.

Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and China bureaus.

For September, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai connects again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian.

They revisit the 2025 China Victory Day Parade, focusing on Beijing’s message to the world and what it reveals in terms of foreign policy preoccupations.

China’s WWII narrative was loud and clear: We have come a long way from being a victim to a great power. Additionally, the communist party is now strong enough to protect the nation.

For the domestic audience, the event was a great source of pride and served to galvanise the people during a time of great power rivalry with Washington.

Taken together with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Forum and the Xiangshan Forum on defence matters, September was a high-key month for China’s narrative building efforts as a responsible global player.