Displaying Military Might, Rewriting History, and Navigating Diplomatic Tensions

In Beijing, preparations are underway for a significant military parade. The city has implemented strict security measures, including increased surveillance and road closures, effectively disrupting daily life in the urban core. This parade, scheduled for September 3rd, will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The "Victory Day" parade is intended to showcase China's growing military strength. It will feature advanced military equipment, reflecting the modernization efforts of the People's Liberation Army. President Xi Jinping will oversee the parade in Tiananmen Square, alongside foreign dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The event is expected to highlight diplomatic solidarity between China, Russia, and nations of the Global South, as many Western leaders are anticipated to be absent. Leading up to the parade, China has been emphasizing its interpretation of World War II history, highlighting the roles of China and Soviet Russia in combating fascist forces.

Chinese officials believe that the commemoration of the war is important because it demonstrates that China and Russia can take pride in their history. They also believe that Western attempts to discredit their past will fail. The war is seen as a foundational moment in the civilizational agendas pursued by both Putin and Xi.

China's contribution to fighting Japan is a key focus. Official statements claim that China's role has been underestimated, and the Communist Party's wartime efforts have been belittled. Chinese academics are working to revise Western-centric narratives of the war, arguing that the conflict began in 1931 with Japan's invasion of China.

China emphasizes its significant losses during the war, with estimates of casualties ranging from 20 to 35 million. The Nanjing Massacre, in which Japanese troops killed an estimated 300,000 people, is a particularly sensitive issue. The extent of the Communist Party's contributions to fighting the Japanese is also a point of contention.

The parade presents a diplomatic challenge for some governments, who must balance recognizing China's war sacrifices with the presence of Putin. Many European Union ambassadors will not attend the parade, and Western countries' requests for working-level diplomatic representation have been rejected. The event will include a state reception and a cultural performance.