Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Chinese affairs stated that China’s major military drill on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, is far more than a simple military event; it carries immense importance in today’s geopolitical equations. The presence of Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Kim Jong-un alongside Xi Jinping not only reflects the convergence of non-Western powers against pressure from the United States and NATO but also demonstrates Beijing’s efforts to consolidate its position as a decisive player in the global order. Among the 26 foreign leaders participating in this parade, none of the Western leaders are present except for Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Also attending are Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia; Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; and Woo Won-sik, Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN, will also be present on behalf of the organization.
This drill—considered one of the largest military maneuvers in China’s modern history—focuses on showcasing the latest defensive and offensive technologies, including hypersonic weapon systems and advanced communication networks whose capabilities could alter the balance of power in East Asia and even globally. This event is not merely a show of military force but also serves as a tool of deterrence and diplomacy. Under growing economic and diplomatic pressure, China is demonstrating through such drills that it possesses the ability to manage crises and reshape regional equations. In fact, Beijing is seizing this opportunity both to reassure its allies and to warn its rivals that East Asia is no longer under American dominance.