Join the discussion: The 80th Anniversary Parade and Its Ripple Effects on Global Audiences

Did you watch it on television?

On September 3, 2025, a military parade was held in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, specifically marking China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. 

It was a significant event, described as China's largest-ever military parade, showcasing over thousands of troops from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and a wide array of advanced weaponry, highlighting China's rapid military modernisation.

The event was led by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who inspected the troops and delivered a speech emphasising China's commitment to peace while asserting its military strength and resolve against foreign intimidation. It also drew attention for the presence of leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, marking their first joint public appearance with Xi, which some Western analysts interpreted as a signal of an anti-Western coalition. The parade was attended by 26 world leaders, mostly from non-Western nations, and was seen as a display of China's geopolitical influence and a challenge to the US-led global order.

While the parade was a spectacle of military might and national pride, it also sparked varied reactions. Some, like US President Donald Trump, commented on it via social media, questioning China's acknowledgment of US contributions during WWII. Also, Japan expressed concerns about its anti-Japanese undertones. Despite the display of advanced technology, questions remain about the PLA's ability to effectively integrate these systems in actual combat due to its lack of recent war experience.

It is a terrific topic for a discussion. There are so many angles to look at the parade. For example:

• How does this military parade serve as a tool for fostering national pride and unity among the domestic population, particularly in reinforcing the narrative of China's historical resilience and modern strength?
• In what ways might the military parade influence the sense of identity and solidarity among the overseas Chinese?
• From a Western perspective, what does China's elaborate military parade reveal about its ambitions on the global stage, and how might it shape public perceptions of China as either a peaceful rising power or a potential threat?
• How could the imagery and symbolism of China's military parade resonate with populations in developing nations scarred by conflict, potentially inspiring hope for self-defence or raising concerns about escalating militarism in international relations?

What do you think?

If you have interesting ideas about these questions or others, and also love a chance to practice speaking about them in Mandarin, this is your chance.

Details about this session is below:

Topic: The 80th Anniversary Parade and Its Ripple Effects on Global Audiences

• 1:00 PM - 2:00PM, Oct 24, 2025 (HK time)
• Online
• HKD240 per person (Maximum 6 participants)

Register before Oct 21, 2025. 

Use this Google form to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO4UA-zDF9kmJdMHenLDlFgrCIHU1JWL1o4-IT885EYko9GQ/viewform 

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More about this course:

“What Is Your Opinion” is a platform for high level Chinese language learners to share their views and thoughts on a wide range of events which are shaping our world, and of course, to practice speaking Mandarin as well.

This course is a natural extension for students who have completed the Mandarin Express series (or equivalent) and would like to have a platform to further their study by engaging in topical discussions.

It’s best for students who are interested in world events, including but not solely about events which China’s stances influence the outcome.

Read more about this course here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/teaching-learning-resources?view=article&id=241&catid=11 

If you’d like to see a list of all Chinese courses on offer, click here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/mandarin-lessons 

If you’d like to check out all upcoming group classes, click here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/teaching-learning-resources?view=article&id=93&catid=11