China Commemorates 80th Anniversary of WWII End with Military Parade
BEIJING — In a grand display of military prowess, China’s President Xi Jinping delivered a powerful speech before a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. He emphasized that humanity today stands at a crossroads, having to choose between peace and war, and between dialogue and confrontation.
President Xi paid tribute to the victims and honored the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. He called for addressing the root causes of war to prevent history from repeating itself.
The parade kicked off with troops marching in perfect sync, showcasing Beijing’s formidable missile arsenal, modern fighter jets, and other military equipment. Some of this equipment was publicly displayed for the first time, signaling China’s ambitions for greater global influence.
Joining President Xi at the parade were Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who witnessed the spectacle at the historic Tiananmen Gate.
The three leaders observed the ceremony from a private area on the viewing platform overlooking Tiananmen Square.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his thoughts on the occasion, questioning whether President Xi would acknowledge the support and sacrifices made by the United States during China’s fight for freedom.
In his speech, President Xi expressed gratitude to foreign countries that aided China in resisting the Japanese invasion during WWII, without directly mentioning the United States.
Trump ended his post by extending warm regards to Xi, Putin, and Kim Jong-un, hinting at a conspiracy against the US. Beijing has not responded to Trump’s remarks.
Domestically, the anniversary commemoration serves as a reminder of China’s resilience and progress. Beijing was a significant battleground during the war, where millions of Chinese lives were lost in the Japanese invasion and subsequent conflict.
The military parade not only showcases China’s strength but also aims to bolster support for the Communist Party and President Xi, positioning China as a global alternative to the US-dominated postwar era.
The ceremony commenced with an 80-gun artillery salute to mark 80 years since the war’s end, followed by the national anthem “March of the Volunteers,” symbolizing the early resistance against Japanese forces. — Euronews
