China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country’s commitment to “peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties.”
Towering structures shaped like the Great Wall, crowned with giant numerals “1945” and “2025,” stood in Tian’anmen Square, symbolizing the Chinese nation’s courage and solidarity in resisting foreign aggression.
Wearing a dark grey, high-collar suit, President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, oversaw the parade and reviewed the troops.
Standing beside Xi on Tian’anmen Rostrum were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, the top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, along with more than 20 other foreign leaders, some of whom attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held in the city of Tianjin earlier this week.
Representatives of people who had supported China’s resistance endeavors, or their family members — from countries such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada — were invited to the event.
This was the second time since 2015 that China has held a military parade to mark the hard-won victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
President Xi delivered a speech before the parade. Highlighting the significance of the victory 80 years ago, Xi said it marks China’s first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times.
Xi noted that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilization and the defense of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war. He called on nations to “eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring.”
Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender.
The military parade was the first since Xi led China to embark on “a new journey to pursue Chinese modernization on all fronts.” The country has laid out a roadmap to achieve modernization by 2035.
In his speech, Xi demanded that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) provide strategic support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He urged the PLA to build itself into a world-class force and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Dominica and China continue to strengthen their diplomatic relations as Dominica continues to uphold and support the “one China policy.”
In 2024, China and Dominica commemorated the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, emphasizing strong political trust and increasingly fruitful cooperation. In 2011, the bilateral trade volume between China and Dominica totaled US$26.885 million.
In 2018, China and Dominica signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on BRI cooperation, which accelerated collaboration across various fields and brought real benefits to both peoples. Projects like the international airport and the construction of six post-hurricane schools have progressed steadily. The Chinese medical teams and agricultural experts have worked closely with local communities to improve both health care and agricultural services in Dominica.
For years, the Confucius Classroom has helped nurture future China-Dominica friendship ambassadors. Other small but impactful projects, such as the building of playgrounds in various communities and the restoration of the Arawak Theatre, have all enhanced the well-being of local people. Meanwhile, many Dominican students and professionals visited China for study, training, and cultural exchanges.