China’s Spectacular V-Day Parade: President Xi Celebrates ‘Unstoppable’ National Rejuvenation

On Wednesday, China celebrated a significant milestone by hosting a grand military parade in central Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II. This event underscored the nation’s commitment to peaceful development amidst a world fraught with uncertainty and turbulence, according to Xinhua. Central to the festivities were impressive structures designed to resemble the Great Wall, adorned with the significant years “1945” and “2025,” signifying the enduring courage and solidarity of the Chinese people in their resistance against foreign aggression.

President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over the parade. He donned a dark grey, high-collar suit while reviewing the troops from the Tian’anmen Rostrum.

Joining President Xi were notable figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, along with over 20 other foreign leaders. Many of these dignitaries had participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit earlier in Tianjin.

The commemorative event included representatives from nations that have supported China’s resistance efforts, as well as their family members, hailing from countries like Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. This gathering showcased international solidarity in recognizing the importance of the victory.

This marked the second military parade since 2015 that China organized to honor its hard-fought victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, alongside the World Anti-Fascist War.

The event commenced at 9 a.m. with an impressive 80-gun salute, followed by a solemn flag-raising ceremony, culminating in a chorus of the national anthem. Helicopters soared over Tian’anmen Square, trailing banners that proclaimed messages like “Justice Prevails,” “Peace Prevails,” and “The People Prevail.” The parade showcased high-morale, well-equipped soldiers marching along Chang’an (Eternal Peace) Avenue in tight, powerful formations, their expressions a mix of confidence and pride. Columns of advanced tanks, artillery, and various military equipment rumbled through the square, demonstrating the strength of the armed forces.

In his speech preceding the parade, Xi Jinping emphasized the historical significance of the victory achieved 80 years ago, marking it as China’s first complete triumph against foreign aggression in modern history. He remarked that the Chinese people made a substantial contribution to the preservation of human civilization and the defense of global peace, often at great personal sacrifice during the war. He called upon nations to “eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring.”

Xi also stressed the need for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to provide essential strategic support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He urged the PLA to evolve into world-class forces and to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. “The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable,” Xi declared, underscoring his vision for China’s future.

The 70-minute military parade illustrated the transformation of China’s armed forces, transitioning from a “millet-and-rifle” army to a modern military powerhouse. The event featured over 10,000 soldiers, more than 100 aircraft, and hundreds of ground armaments, all organized under a wartime command system. This display not only highlighted China’s military advancements but also reaffirmed its commitment to national defense and international peace.

Overall, the military parade was a powerful reminder of China’s historical resilience and a testament to its aspirations for a peaceful future. As the world observes these events, it serves as a crucial moment for reflection on the past and a call to action for ensuring a more peaceful and secure world moving forward.