High-Stakes Beijing Parade: A Global Stage for Xi, Putin, and Geopolitical Tensions

Jiang Wenyao / Zuma / TASS

On September 3rd, Beijing will host a major parade marking China’s Victory Day, which will serve as a platform for a series of meetings between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. The event will not only showcase China’s military but also offer a diplomatic stage for global leaders to engage in discussions about the future of geopolitical power dynamics.

The Parade and Its Global Significance

The military display will feature over 10,000 Chinese troops, hundreds of pieces of military hardware, and the debut of new weapons systems, including hypersonic missiles and advanced stealth bombers. For China, the parade represents a symbol of national strength and unity, reinforcing its “commitment to peace and defense”.

Official rhetoric frames the event as a message that “China is prepared to defend the post-WWII international order and stand firm on international justice”. An interesting statement given that China has been co-financing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Global Reactions: Boycotts and Diplomatic Concerns

The parade has sparked significant international debate. Western leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and other key U.S. allies will not attend, citing concerns over Russia’s involvement and potential anti-Japanese undertones. Japan, too, has urged other countries not to participate, pointing to concerns over the event’s perceived "anti-Japanese" orientation. In response, Beijing has accused Japan of failing to distance itself from militarism and urged the country to make a clear choice on its historical stance.

Taiwan has also been invited to attend, though it remains uncertain who from the island will represent it, given its ongoing disputes with Beijing over historical narratives concerning China’s WWII resistance.

A Potential Platform for Diplomatic Dialogue

The event could provide a diplomatic stage for Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to further strengthen the growing strategic partnership between China and Russia. The SCO summit, held just before the parade, highlights this emerging alliance, which increasingly positions China and Russia against the West.

Who Will Attend the Beijing Parade: List of Participating Countries

According to official data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, 26 heads of state and government from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America have confirmed their participation in the September Victory Day parade in Beijing.

Former USSR Countries:

1. Russia – President Vladimir Putin (seated next to Xi)

2. Belarus – President Alexander Lukashenko

3. Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

4. Uzbekistan – President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

5. Tajikistan – President Emomali Rahmon

6. Kyrgyzstan – President Sadyr Zhaparov

7. Turkmenistan – President Serdar Berdimuhamedov

8. Azerbaijan – President Ilham Aliyev

9. Armenia – Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan

European Leaders:

1. Serbia – President Aleksandar Vučić

2. Slovakia – Prime Minister Robert Fico

Asian Leaders:

1. North Korea (DPRK) – Chairman of the State Council Kim Jong-un (seated next to Xi)

2. Indonesia – Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto

3. Mongolia – President Ukhnaagiin Hurelsuh

4. Laos – Prime Minister Thonglun Sisulit

5. Maldives – President Mohamed Muizu

6. Cambodia – King Norodom Sihamoni

7. Vietnam – Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Luong Kyong

8. Malaysia – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

9. Pakistan – Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif

10. Nepal – Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli

11. Myanmar – Acting President Min Aung Hlaing

Middle Eastern Leader:

1. Iran – President Masoud Pezeshkian

Latin American Leader:

1. Cuba – President Miguel Díaz-Canel

African Leaders:

1. Republic of Congo – President Denis Sassou-Nguesso

2. Zimbabwe – President Emmerson Mnangagwa

Media Coverage: A Show of Strength and Defiance

Media coverage of the parade has been polarized. In China, outlets like Xinhua and Global Times portray the event as a celebration of peace and national history, emphasizing China’s defensive military posture. In contrast, Western media, including Reuters and The Economist, frame the parade as a "demonstration of strength" aimed at challenging the West, particularly the U.S. and its allies.

The absence of G7 leaders is altogether seen as a clear indication of growing divisions between China and the West, signaling a possible shift toward a more multipolar global order.