China Insider China Insider | China’s 80th Anniversary Celebrations for Victory in WWII
Sep 9, 2025
The podcast dives into the 80th anniversary of China's WWII victory, highlighting the political implications and reactions to the Beijing military parade. Xi Jinping's speech is scrutinized amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with the U.S. There's a critical look at the diverse weaponry displayed, revealing a mix of outdated and modern technologies. The discussions also delve into the paradox of trust within China's military leadership, alongside the notable anti-CCP protests, showcasing a growing public dissent that could signal larger movements.
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Parade As Power Projection
- Xi used the parade to project China as a rival center of power and leader of an anti‑Washington coalition.
- The guest list aimed for optics over genuine strategic unity and included many opportunistic or marginal partners.
Parades Serve Xi's Narrative
- The event amplified Xi's personal preference for spectacle and repeated parade usage since coming to power.
- The parade's historical justification (WWII victory) is weak given the CCP's limited role in defeating Japan.
Peace Rhetoric Versus Reality
- The claim the parade promoted peace rings hollow because many attendees are adversarial actors like Putin and Kim.
- The event projected contradiction between peaceful rhetoric and aggressive behavior toward neighbors.