China’s recent military parade in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, was a spectacle of strength, showcasing advanced weaponry and precision that sent a clear message: China is a rising global power. With leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un in attendance, the event underscored shifting geopolitical alignments. But is the Western alliance, led by the U.S. and Europe, deliberately downplaying this display to maintain its narrative of dominance?
China’s Grand Stage: A Message to the World
On September 3, 2025, Beijing’s Tiananmen Square hosted a massive “Victory Day” parade, featuring cutting-edge military technology and thousands of disciplined troops. The event, attended by over two dozen world leaders, was more than a historical commemoration—it was a bold assertion of China’s military and political clout. President Xi Jinping used the occasion to emphasize China’s role in defeating fascism, subtly rewriting history to position Beijing as a central player in shaping a new world order.
The parade’s timing, coinciding with an economic summit in Tianjin where Xi met Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amplified its significance. This gathering hinted at thawing China-India relations, possibly driven by shared frustrations with U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. The Media highlights Trump’s tariffs as a catalyst for these realignments, suggesting China’s display was partly a response to Western economic pressures. But is the West, particularly the U.S., ignoring this power show to avoid acknowledging a challenge to its global leadership?
Dismissal or Strategic Restraint?
President Trump’s reaction to the parade was mixed—calling it “very, very impressive” while grumbling on Truth Social about China’s failure to credit U.S. contributions in World War II. His focus on nostalgia, evident in his own low-key U.S. military parade in June, contrasts with China’s futuristic display. This divergence raises questions: Is the U.S. deliberately minimizing China’s show to maintain confidence in its “America First” agenda? Trump’s tariff-heavy trade policy, which he defends as protecting American industry, has strained relations with allies and adversaries alike, potentially pushing nations like India closer to China.
European leaders, meanwhile, seem more focused on other crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Recent media coverage details Europe’s push for security guarantees for Ukraine, with leaders like UK Defence Secretary John Healey and France’s Emmanuel Macron prioritizing Kyiv’s defense over engaging with China’s parade. This focus might suggest a deliberate choice to sideline China’s display, as Western resources and attention remain tied to European security concerns. However, ignoring China’s signal could risk underestimating its growing influence, especially as it courts nations like India and Russia.
Is the West Underplaying a Threat?
Some analysts argue the West’s muted response is less about ignorance and more about strategic restraint. Richard Wilkie, a former U.S. official quoted in the media, warns that China’s parade is a step toward rewriting global “rules of the road.” Posts on X reflect similar concerns, with some users framing China’s display as a direct challenge to U.S. dominance, though these views remain inconclusive. The West’s focus on immediate issues—like Ukraine or domestic legal battles over Trump’s tariffs—might be diverting attention from China’s long-term ambitions.
Critics of the Western approach, often amplified in non-Western media like RT, suggest the U.S. and Europe are too entangled in their own agendas to counter China effectively. For instance, Trump’s tariff policies, now facing U.S. judicial scrutiny, could weaken the West’s economic leverage, inadvertently strengthening China’s position. Yet, Wilkie insists that allies like Japan and the Philippines see China’s military rise as the real threat, not U.S. trade hiccups. This split in focus—West on immediate crises, China on long-term power projection—could explain the perceived dismissal.
The Bigger Picture: A Shifting Global Order
China’s parade isn’t just pomp—it’s a signal of intent to challenge the U.S.-led order. The Tianjin summit, where Xi, Putin, and Modi appeared chummy, underscores how Trump’s policies may be accelerating new alliances. The West’s response, or lack thereof, might reflect a struggle to balance multiple fronts: Ukraine, domestic politics, and now China’s assertive posturing. Ignoring or downplaying this display could embolden Beijing, but overreacting risks escalating tensions in an already volatile global landscape.
As the West navigates these challenges, the question remains: Is it strategically ignoring China’s power show to focus on immediate priorities, or is it underestimating a rival ready to reshape the world stage?
