OR China It presents its military and diplomatic power this week with a parade in Tiananmen Square, in the presence of 26 heads of state. Beside the Si JingVladimir Putin is already in Beijing, while Iran and North Korea leaders are also involved. They are at the forefront of an event aimed at showing the alliance of forces out of the West. Western observers characterize this block of “axis of dispute”, visible in both Ukraine and the Middle East, as the Guardian writes in its analysis.
Xi Jinping wants to take advantage of this anniversary to present China as a reliable alternative to the West world. The Chinese president argues that people must become multipolar, led by Beijing and supporting countries outside the Western camp, such as Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
The military message behind historical memory
The parade, honoring the 80th anniversary of Japan’s tradition, is also a showcase for the latest developments of the People’s Liberation Army, the Chinese army. Analysts expect to see the fifth generation J-20, symbols of the modernization of the Chinese Armed Forces and the desire for technological autonomy, even against Russia.
For Beijing, this moment of memory is not neutral. Si degrades the role of Western forces in the victory of 1945 and highlights the contribution of China and the Soviet Union. This reintegration of history serves to strengthen the legalization of the Communist Party at a time when the Chinese economy is being tested and trade war with the US is intensifying.
Taiwan, the great absent but the real target
The shadow of Taiwan is over the ceremony. Experts cited by the Guardian estimate that Beijing wants to send a clear message: “Every resistance is in vain.” Demonstrations of ultrasonic drones or naval technologies could aim to prevent an American intervention in the event of a conflict around the island.
For Taipei, on the other hand, history proves that aggression always fails against unity. Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-T, reminded Tuesday that World War II lessons show that “unity secures victory, while aggression inevitably ends up in failure”.