Beijing, China — September 2, 2025.
On September 3rd, China is holding a grand military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end and consolidate power at home and internationally. This event, featuring advanced weaponry and over 10,000 troops, is being interpreted as an indicator of China’s rising status within international politics; leaders from Russia, North Korea, Iran and Myanmar are expected to attend; Australia, Japan Taiwan South Korea are not participating. The Guardian + Wall Street Journal | The Australian
As Beijing prepares to host its military and national pride parades, it has been transformed into an impressive showcase. Eight giant red flags now surround Mao Zedong’s portrait at Tiananmen Square’s Gate of Heavenly Peace; below them sit seats set aside for 26 foreign heads of state such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un who represent key allies for Beijing; additionally massive floral arrangements commemorating World War II are located along an avenue of seating area for over 50,000 invitees. Tekedia
China faces many internal challenges that go beyond spectacle. Over the past two years, around 45 high-ranking military and defense industry officials have been dismissed or disappeared in an anti-corruption campaign, reflecting President Xi’s dissatisfaction with progress made toward military modernization and effort to ensure loyalty and political control within his armed forces. Purges targeting figures in Equipment Development Department and Rocket Force also indicate concerns over readiness, fraud in procurement processes and power accumulation within China’s borders. Tekedia/+1
The Washington Post
China is using this parade as both a display of military strength and a strategic move to assert their influence against an increasingly shifting global order. By inviting leaders from countries that have experienced international sanctions to attend his parade, President Xi is positioning China as leader of an “axis of upheaval” challenging Western-dominated globalization and pushing a vision of multipolarism forward. The Guardian
As Chinese President Xi Jinping takes center stage on the world stage, his true test will be whether his show of force translates into lasting influence both domestically and abroad. China’s military parade stands as an impressive symbol of its aspirations while also shining light on internal dynamics that inform Xi’s leadership; time will tell whether its grand display can cement China’s status as a global power or whether internal challenges undermine its ambitions. Tekedia
Australian government ministers on Monday approved plans for an Australian Defence Review Tribunal Hearing into allegations that former Minister Kevin Rudd lied during their debrief.