War, peace, and an unstoppable force… Xi’s messages at the military parade

In a massive military display reflecting China’s accelerating ambition to establish itself as a global power, President Xi Jinping delivered strong messages from the heart of Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated at the outset of the grand military parade, held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, that “the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable.”
He added that “the noble cause of peace and development for humanity will inevitably prevail,” stressing that the world today faces a critical choice between “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation.”
Xi called on nations worldwide to “eliminate the root causes of war and prevent the repetition of historical tragedies.”
He further stated: “Shared security can only be ensured when countries treat each other as equals, live in harmony, and support one another.”
The Chinese military at the core of the “grand vision”
Xi praised the armed forces, emphasizing that modernizing the People’s Liberation Army and building it into a “world-class force” is a key component of the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” project.
He reiterated his call to develop a military capable of “fighting and winning wars,” a message reflecting Beijing’s ambition to rival, and in some areas surpass, the military capabilities of many countries.
China’s rise and demonstration of strength
Xi’s speech carried strategic significance beyond China’s borders, linking the country’s rise to the imperative of maintaining global peace.
Observers note that his repeated references to “national rejuvenation” and “peace and development” signal his intent to establish China as an indispensable power in shaping the new international order.
The president reviewed thousands of soldiers and dozens of military formations showcasing the latest weapons and defense systems.
From his open-top black limousine, Xi addressed the troops: “Comrades, you have worked hard,” to which the soldiers responded in unison: “We serve the people,” reflecting both military discipline and Beijing’s emphasis on demonstrating combat readiness.
Between history and the future
The parade marked the anniversary of the end of World War II, an event of special symbolism for China, which lost millions of lives during the Japanese invasion.
While recalling the past, Xi linked it to the country’s future, asserting that China is moving forward to reclaim its status as a global great power.