On September 3, 2025, China hosted its largest military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. This was no mere celebration; it was a calculated demonstration of military strength, aimed at establishing China as a formidable rival to the United States. The event symbolized much more than weapons on display; it underscored a growing coalition among authoritarian regimes, bringing together key figures such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
The parade immediately followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which Xi Jinping hosted just days earlier in Tianjin. This summit gathered more than 20 world leaders, enhancing Beijing’s diplomatic efforts and showcasing its ambitions on the world stage. The SCO, now comprising ten member states, represents 40 percent of the global population—a significant bloc with the potential to challenge Western influence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India notably attended the summit but skipped the parade, despite a rare meeting with Xi during this visit. Modi emphasized the need for improved relations, stating that ties must be built on “mutual respect, trust and sensitivities.” His outreach was partly in response to the challenges posed by recent U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. Meanwhile, striking images of Xi, Modi, and Putin shared laughter, revealing the complexities of international diplomacy as Modi navigates his relationship with China amidst pressures from the West.
The parade itself was dramatic. Xi stood prominently with Putin and Kim, as soldiers marched in synchrony through Tiananmen Square. Analysts observed that this event conveyed a potent message: authoritarian regimes are increasingly aligned against the United States and its allies. In fact, as one analyst noted, the event “served notice that China wants to be seen as a peer to the United States and Russia in strategic deterrence.” This alignment suggests a shift towards integrated, multi-domain operations encompassing military, cyber, and space tactics.
This gathering of leaders also marked a historical first, with Kim appearing at a multilateral event alongside Xi and Putin, joined by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. This collaboration among these nations is characterized by their shared opposition to U.S. policies rather than by a unified ideology—a phenomenon often termed the ‘Axis of Upheaval.’ Here, Kim introduced his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, suggesting a nod towards dynastic continuity within North Korea.
The parade attracted 26 world leaders, including heads of state from Myanmar, Pakistan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, reinforcing the perception of an emerging bloc. Notably, leaders from nations such as Vietnam and Malaysia were also present, highlighting a shift among U.S.-aligned and neutral states toward closer ties with Beijing.
Xi’s rhetoric during the events was equally significant. He called for the establishment of a new SCO development bank, pledging 2 billion RMB in grants and an additional 10 billion RMB in loans. This initiative aims not only to strengthen economic ties within the SCO but also to create an alternative payment system that reduces reliance on the U.S. dollar—a clear indication of China’s ambitions to reshape global economic frameworks.
The military cooperation between Iran and North Korea, which has included the supply of weapons, exemplifies the tangible ties being formed among these nations. The optics of unity displayed during the parade were striking, particularly given that it was the first time in 66 years a North Korean leader attended such an event in China. This moment of solidarity, however superficial it may seem to some, sends a clear message of defiance against Western hegemony.
The participation of high-ranking leaders such as Putin, Kim, and Pezeshkian lends credence to the view that these states are consolidating their strategies in opposition to the West. A Brookings analyst referred to this situation as “disconcerting,” indicating that these leaders are creating a facade of partnership, amplifying their challenge to U.S. influence.
As the parade concluded, the absence of Western leaders was palpable. Only two European leaders attended, which highlighted the growing divisions within the West. U.S. representative Raja Krishnamoorthi warned that the spectacle in Beijing should serve as a wake-up call for the United States, emphasizing the need to confront this rising authoritarian alliance. Echoing similar sentiments, President Trump reacted on social media, addressing the emerging cooperation among these nations with characteristic directness.
Ultimately, the events surrounding the parade represent a crucial juncture in the ongoing geopolitical landscape. As these authoritarian regimes foster their camaraderie, the implications for global power dynamics are profound. The commitment to building an alternative global order, as articulated by Xi and demonstrated during the SCO summit and military parade, underscores the challenge that lies ahead for Western nations.
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