State of the World from NPR What a Parade in China Says About That Country’s View of the World
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Sep 3, 2025 A recent military parade in China marked the end of World War II while sending a powerful message about the nation's global ambitions. With leaders like Xi Jinping, Putin, and Kim Jong-un attending, it highlighted a growing alliance among autocratic powers and a shift away from democratic values. The parade was not just a showcase of might, but a clear statement of China's desire to redefine the global order amidst changing geopolitical dynamics. This spectacle prompts reflection on the future of U.S. influence in a world increasingly dominated by autocracies.
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Parade As Power Projection
- The parade was a choreographed display of troops and advanced weapons to show China's rising power.
- Xi used the event to claim China's central role in defeating fascism and shaping post-war order.
Leaders, Weapons, And Veterans
- Xi stood between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong‑un as laser weapons and hypersonic missiles paraded below.
- Xi also shook hands with World War II veterans, mixing spectacle with personal symbolism.
China's 'Shared Destiny' Narrative
- Xi frames China as a defender of the post‑war order and advocates a "community of shared destiny."
- That vision contrasts with Western liberal democracy and promotes harmony and mutual respect on Beijing's terms.