Global Leaders Unite for China’s WWII Commemoration Parade

On August 2, 2023, leaders from 26 countries gathered in Beijing to participate in a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, showcased military hardware and marching troops, symbolizing solidarity among nations aligned with China. Notable attendees included Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who made a rare foreign trip to attend.

The parade took place at Tiananmen Square, with Xi, Putin, and Kim ascending to the viewing platform together. Observers noted that this joint appearance highlighted a strategic alliance that may challenge U.S. influence globally. Leaders from the United States, Western Europe, Japan, and India notably did not attend, and countries such as South Korea and Singapore were represented by lower-level officials.

Key Figures in Attendance

The guest list reflected China’s deepening ties with nations in the Global South. Among those present were Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, both considered adversaries of the U.S. As the leaders walked along the red carpet, Xi greeted Kim with the phrase, “Long time, no see,” illustrating the camaraderie among them.

From Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto participated despite initially canceling due to domestic protests. He was joined by leaders such as Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Notably, Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith were also part of the event.

South Asia was represented by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepali Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, and Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu. In addition, Central Asian leaders, including Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, were present, further indicating a significant turnout from the region.

International Implications

The high-profile gathering suggested a shift in international alliances, particularly as it coincided with the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held days earlier. The absence of leaders from India and Turkey was notable, despite India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing positive sentiments about his meetings with Xi and Putin on social media.

While few European leaders attended, Serbia sent pro-Russia President Aleksandar Vucic, and Slovakia was represented by Prime Minister Robert Fico. The presence of former leaders, such as former New Zealand Prime Ministers Helen Clark and John Key, added a historical context to the gathering.

The parade served not only as a commemoration of a pivotal moment in history but also as a demonstration of China’s growing geopolitical influence and its ability to rally support from nations that share its perspective. The event’s significance will likely resonate in international discussions regarding the balance of power in a multipolar world.