This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War. Based on various sources, Beijing is expected to hold a grand military parade to commemorate this significant occasion.
As early as February 27, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian stated at a routine press conference that China would solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the Anti-Fascist War. However, regarding specific arrangements, Wu said, “There is currently no information available for release.”
The following day, the South China Morning Post reported that Beijing would hold a military parade to commemorate the victory in World War II and the War of Resistance Against Japan, with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to attend. The report also mentioned that Putin might stay in China for several days, attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, and visit other cities. As for whether senior U.S. government officials were invited to the parade, the report stated that it was “currently unknown.”
On March 4, before the opening ceremony of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) during the Two Sessions, a CPPCC member from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) confirmed to Hong Kong Satellite TV News that the “September 3rd” military parade was already on the military’s agenda. The source was Air Force Lieutenant General Zhang Yihu, who had previously served as the chief commander of the aerial parade during the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1999. When asked about the cutting-edge weapons and equipment to be showcased at the parade, Zhang did not give a direct response but simply remarked, “Everyone is looking forward to it.”
During a press conference held by the Chinese Foreign Ministry this morning (March 7), Foreign Minister Wang Yi mentioned the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War twice—once in the context of diplomatic relations between heads of state and once in reference to China-Japan relations—reaffirming that the anniversary would be “solemnly commemorated.”
From various reports, it is highly likely that Beijing will hold a “September 3rd” military parade this year. The last such parade took place during the 70th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan. Before that, China had held a total of 14 military parades, all of which were held during National Day celebrations. The 70th-anniversary parade in 2015 was the first time a military parade was held outside of National Day celebrations, making it the largest in history. If this year’s “September 3rd” parade is confirmed, its significance will be even more profound given the current turbulent international climate.
A Tradition of Celebrating Milestones
China has a tradition of holding major celebrations every five and ten years, such as military parades during milestone anniversaries of the founding of the country. However, non-National Day military parades remain rare. The 2015 “September 3rd” parade was the first such event after Xi Jinping took office at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. It was followed by the military parade for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 2019. The addition of this year’s “September 3rd” parade signals something beyond mere tradition.
The Global Context Has Changed
In 2015, when Beijing held the “September 3rd” military parade, there was no Russia-Ukraine war, no Israeli-Palestinian conflict, no Donald Trump, and the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea were not as tense as they are today. At that time, Xi Jinping repeatedly emphasized “peace” in his speech, stating:
“Today, peace and development have become the themes of our era, but the world remains far from peaceful. The sword of Damocles still hangs over humanity. We must learn from history and remain determined to uphold peace.”
“For the sake of peace, China will always follow the path of peaceful development. The Chinese nation has always loved peace. No matter how much we develop, China will never seek hegemony, never engage in expansion, and never impose upon others the suffering we have endured.”
If China holds another “September 3rd” military parade this year, in a world riddled with conflicts and uncertainties, “peace” is likely to remain a key theme.
Showcasing Military Strength
Since last year, China’s military technology has made significant breakthroughs after years of accumulation, attracting widespread attention. From the sixth-generation fighter jet to the 076-class electromagnetic catapult amphibious assault ship and the test flight of the KJ-3000 early warning aircraft, China’s advancements in military technology have been widely discussed. Xi Jinping has also frequently visited the Rocket Force, Airborne Troops, and Strategic Support Forces, emphasizing the need to enhance combat readiness. This year’s “September 3rd” parade will be an important occasion for China to showcase its latest weaponry and technological developments to the world. It also serves as a message to the international community that while China is not warlike, it is also unafraid of war. For Taiwan, this message is particularly direct and forceful.
The Changing International Order
With Trump’s potential return to power, many have realized that the international order established since World War II is undergoing dramatic changes. In Xi Jinping’s speech at the previous “September 3rd” parade, he stated:
“All countries should work together to uphold the international order and system with the United Nations Charter as its core, actively build a new type of international relations centered on cooperation and mutual benefit, and jointly promote the noble cause of world peace and development.”
Leveraging the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, China may now send a clearer signal: the U.S.-led “rules-based international order” no longer exists. Instead, China aims to position itself as a leader, participant, and driving force in shaping a new international order—ushering in a post-American century alongside the international community.
