Advertisement
War and conflict
Opinion
SCMP Editorial

Opinion | Victory Day parade showcased China’s determination to be a force for peace

The parade also made manifestly clear China’s ability to protect its interests at home and abroad

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Military personnel take part in a parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender is held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing on September 3. Photo: AP
Images and messages from the Victory Day parade in Beijing will long resonate as a reflection of the country’s will and military readiness to safeguard national security from threats to world peace. The strength and solidarity of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were on show at home and abroad.
Thousands, including dignitaries from around the world, watched the parade of PLA soldiers and new military hardware roll by as helicopters and advanced warplanes roared overhead. The abiding message of a parade showcasing military preparedness was the need to cherish and defend peace.
In his opening address, President Xi Jinping said the PLA was a heroic army that the Communist Party and people can completely rely on, as he called for officers and soldiers to accelerate the building of a world-class military.
Advertisement

“The Chinese nation is a great nation that does not fear violence and that stands independent and strong,” he said, adding that when confronted with a life-or-death struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, the Chinese people had stood united, risen in resistance and fought for the survival of the country, the rejuvenation of the nation and the cause of human justice.

The message of deterrence and determination was unmistakable. China declared its unshakeable intention to safeguard its sovereignty, national security and development objectives. The parade made its growing capability to protect such interests at home and abroad manifestly clear.

Advertisement

The parade involved formations from various military branches, including the PLA Army, Navy and Air Force, the Joint Logistics Support Force and the Rocket Force, as well as newly established units such as the Aerospace Force.

China continues to stand on the right side of history

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x