China's Major Military Parade to Commemorate 80 Years Since WWII

On Wednesday, China is set to host a monumental military parade in Beijing, celebrating 80 years since the end of World War II. This event is not just a display of might; it's an assertion of China’s influential position on the global stage.

What to Expect from the Spectacular Event

Beginning at 9 AM local time (01:00 GMT), the much-anticipated parade will showcase a dynamic array of military prowess. This includes advanced weaponry like hypersonic missiles, drones, and a fleet of fighter jets. With hundreds of aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) taking part, spectators are in for a show of unprecedented scale.

To honor the historic significance of the day, 80 buglers will play, while over 1,000 musicians will perform in 14 rows, symbolizing each year of resistance since Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931. Chairs in Tiananmen Square will be colored to represent fertile land, the sacrifices of the people, and the quest for peace.

A Gathering of Global Leaders

The parade will see an impressive turnout, with 26 foreign leaders attending, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim’s presence marks a historic first in 66 years, the last being his grandfather in 1959.

Other notable attendees include leaders from Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, showcasing a coalition of nations with varying ties to China.

Understanding the Significance of Victory Day

While the West often marks the onset of World War II with Germany's invasion of Poland, Asia faced Japanese aggression years prior. Following Japan's annexation of Manchuria and the subsequent conflicts with Chinese troops, a full-scale war erupted in 1937. The Japanese military committed atrocities, leading to an estimated 20 million Chinese casualties.

Victory Day, declared in 2014, commemorates Japan’s formal surrender on September 2, 1945. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) recognizes not just its own role in the conflict but also acknowledges the sacrifices made by former Kuomintang soldiers, showcasing an evolution in narratives since tensions with Taiwan escalated in recent years.

As the parade unfolds, it serves as a powerful reminder of China's past and a strategic proclamation of its future ambitions, solidifying its role as a key player in global geopolitics.