Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China “unstoppable” during a grand military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. He stood alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, it also served as a bold statement of alliance and strength against the West. The parade was the climax of a week filled with strategic diplomacy and military messaging.
President Xi opened the event by warning that the world still faces a choice between peace and war. He used the occasion to highlight China’s military growth and global influence. The parade featured China’s newest intercontinental missile, the DF-5C, with a 20,000-kilometre range. Supersonic weapons and underwater drones were also on display. Meanwhile, thousands of Chinese troops marched in perfect formation as jets flew overhead in a giant “80” formation.
Kim Jong Un’s presence drew significant attention as he rarely travels outside North Korea. This was only his second known foreign visit in six years. He arrived in Beijing with his daughter and sister, showing a rare public family appearance. Later, Kim held talks with Putin and reportedly discussed North Korean troop support for Russia. Their meeting emphasized growing defense ties among the three nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation signaled Pakistan’s deepening alignment with China and Russia. State media noted that India’s Prime Minister Modi was not invited to the parade. Analysts believe Shehbaz’s presence highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in the region. China’s alliance with Pakistan, North Korea, and Russia shows an emerging front challenging Western influence.
Throughout the week, Xi hosted Eurasian leaders under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He criticized “bullying” by Western powers, while Putin blamed the West for the Ukraine conflict. The tightly secured parade area in Beijing featured road closures and heavy military presence. Although no Western leaders attended, Xi succeeded in displaying China’s ability to lead a powerful and united bloc.