China’s 2025 Victory Day military parade captured global attention, presenting a defining moment as the nation showcased its expanding military capabilities while asserting its status as a legitimate great power. Amidst a backdrop of military hardware, the event was also a theatrical display, emphasizing themes of peace intertwined with strength. Monumental missiles, key authoritarian figures, and symbolic gestures framed this narrative, affirming China’s multifaceted approach to international relations and its self-portrayal on the world stage.
Showcasing Military Might
At the forefront of this military spectacle were the new DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missiles and China’s so-called “strategic ace”—comprising its land, sea, and air nuclear triad. These weapons signified not merely advancements in military technology but also served as a deterrent message to rivals, demonstrating that China possesses the means to retaliate in situations of escalation. Observers noted the entourage of authoritarian leaders present, complemented by the conspicuous absence of U.S. officials, which underscored an emerging non-Western coalition that challenges traditional power dynamics.
However, this narrative of military prowess only scratches the surface of the parade’s complex messaging. President Xi Jinping’s speech resonated with a proclamation of China’s commitment to peace, as soldiers marched along the Chang’an Avenue chanting ideals of justice and harmony. This emphasis on peace, deeply embedded in China’s cultural and historical context, reflects a broader intent to blend military modernization with a commitment to international stability.
The Concept of Peace in Chinese Foreign Policy
The concept of peace has become a cornerstone of Chinese foreign policy, especially under Xi Jinping’s leadership. The assertion that “China will always be a force for peace” stands not merely as rhetoric but as a reflection of the state’s self-image. During the 2019 military parade, Xi claimed that “the Chinese nation does not carry aggressive or hegemonic traits in its genes.” This narrative aligns with Confucian ideals of harmony and inclusivity, suggesting that China’s historical path has instilled in it a unique responsibility to promote peace.
China’s pacifist rhetoric is further reinforced by references to its historical victimhood. By highlighting its suffering during past aggressions, especially during World War II, China positions itself as a nation that values harmony after heavy costs. This approach becomes a moral justification for China’s foreign policy decisions, allowing it to rationalize assertive actions as necessary measures in response to historical grievances.
Emphasizing Victimhood and Moral Authority
The narratives surrounding China’s wartime experiences emphasize the heavy toll the nation endured, framing its commitment to global stability as a hard-won resolve. The recent parade reiterated this, with state media emphasizing the sacrifices made—the loss of approximately 35 million lives during the war—portraying China as a harbinger of peace amidst chaos.
These discourses of victimhood not only validate China’s military actions but also present its global posture as inherently moral. The emphasis on peace as a historical and cultural mandate serves to transform military capabilities into symbols of protective readiness, positioning China as a nation prepared to contribute to global peace rather than undermine it.
Peaceful Development as a Foreign Policy Strategy
At the heart of China’s foreign policy philosophy lie the principles of peaceful development and coexistence. With roots tracing back to Mao and continuing under Xi, these tenets suggest that economic interdependence fosters stability and, ultimately, lasting peace. Xi Jinping’s outreach in Southeast Asia earlier this year highlighted this notion, as he linked regional stability to economic progress, framing Chinese influence as essential for local development.
This perspective endeavors to encapsulate both economic interests and diplomatic overtures, reinforcing the idea that prosperity and peace are mutually inclusive. However, this duality is often juxtaposed with displays of military might, reminiscent of historical power dynamics where strength bolsters bargaining positions.
A Distinctive Narrative of Harmony and Suffering
China’s vision, while steeped in traditional narratives of harmony, also cultivates a distinct appeal separate from Western paradigms. The intertwining of historical victimhood with contemporary diplomatic positioning allows China to present itself as a benign power, advocating for multipolarity in an evolving global landscape.
The imagery of missiles parading down Chang’an Avenue may evoke an antagonistic interpretation, particularly from Western audiences. Nevertheless, within Chinese narratives, these military displays are framed as defensive postures, reinforcing the country’s commitment to national defense and stability amidst rising global tensions.
Framing Military Modernization as Defensive
China’s military modernization is often justified through a lens of defensive necessity, aiming to secure its interests and assert its presence in global governance. The country embraces a no-first-use nuclear policy, suggesting that its advances serve to maintain peace rather than incite conflict. This stands in stark contrast to Western military postures, particularly in light of recent aggressive strategies.
Additionally, China seeks to cast its burgeoning military capabilities as essential tools for safeguarding peace and fostering a more inclusive global governance structure. Positioning itself as a voice for the Global South, China aims to lead reforms that address perceived imbalances in current international systems, simultaneously defining itself as a stabilizing force in a world perceived to be unraveling.
The Role of Global Governance in China’s Vision
In the lead-up to the parade, Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, signalling China’s ambition to reshape international orders historically influenced by Western powers. This initiative emphasizes the need for better representation of developing nations within global governance structures, reinforcing China’s role as an emerging leader advocating for inclusivity.
The juxtaposition of China’s appeals to historical peace with the realities of international relations presents a complex narrative. As the nation positions itself against the backdrop of a changing global context, its military displays and assertions of peace remain closely tied to its efforts to carve out a distinctive identity on the world stage.
Perceptions and Implications
Beyond rhetoric, the true measure of China’s claims to peace and stability relies on how neighboring nations respond. Increasingly, many of China’s periphery states appear to gravitate toward Beijing, driven by economic incentives and waning confidence in U.S. commitments to regional stability.
While China’s narrative of strength might resonate within its borders, its ability to convincingly project peace hinges on practical realities. Prospective partnerships will be evaluated vis-à-vis the actions China takes to fulfill its stated commitments without overextending its capabilities.
Conclusion
China’s 2025 Victory Day militaristic display served multiple purposes: showcasing military might, reinforcing the notion of peace, and asserting its rising global status. The balance between these narratives reveals a complex interplay of power, history, and vision, framing China as a formidable force underpinned by claims of benign intent.
In a world characterized by flux and uncertainty, China’s portrayal of itself as a harbinger of peace simultaneously affirms its military readiness, illustrating a unique approach to modern geopolitics that melds tradition with ambition. The triumphalism evident during the parade adds a layer of credibility to its promise, even as the global community remains vigilant and skeptical regarding the true nature of China’s evolving role.