Beijing Prepares for Grand Military Parade Amidst Heightened Security

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:57:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Beijing gears up for a significant military parade to commemorate 80 years since Japan's surrender in World War II, the atmosphere is tense with heightened security measures. President Xi Jinping aims to showcase China's rising global influence.

With the spotlight on Xi Jinping, Beijing is set to host a grand military parade expected to draw significant international attention. Security measures have intensified as world leaders, including North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Russia's Vladimir Putin, are slated to attend. The parade will not only mark historical events but also serve as a platform for Xi to assert China's robust military capabilities and diplomatic reach amidst ongoing domestic challenges.

The stage is set in the heart of Beijing for a grand display of power and military might that has been choreographed by President Xi Jinping.

Eight huge Chinese flags flutter and flank the portrait of Mao Zedong, the founder of Communist China, which sits on top of the Gate of Heavenly Peace overlooking Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world.

Rows of seats are reserved for 26 foreign heads of state, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, whose attendance is a diplomatic win for Xi.

Further down the road, two large floral arrangements commemorating Japan's surrender and China's victory rise alongside seating for around 50,000 invitees.

As preparations culminate, the normally bustling Chang'an Avenue has been closed off to public traffic, reflecting the seriousness of the occasion.

Ostensibly the parade marks 80 years of Japan's surrender in the war, but for Xi, it represents a crucial moment to consolidate his standing both domestically and internationally.

This week also marks significant diplomatic milestones for Xi, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting for the first time in seven years, fostering key economic ties.

More than 20 world leaders attended the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where Xi projected his vision of a new world order aiming to challenge U.S. dominance.

The military parade will highlight China's military advancements, including hypersonic weapons and unmanned underwater drones, with foreign leaders witnessing the display of power.

However, the preparations come amid domestic discontent fueled by economic challenges and youth unemployment, leading the government to reaffirm pride and patriotism through this display.

Additional security measures include increased surveillance, the deployment of guards at key locations, and restrictions on drones, reflecting the government's unease about potential unrest.

Despite these precautions, Xi's military parade aims to cement China's position on the global stage, showcasing its military prowess while rallying national pride in a time of uncertain socio-economic conditions.