China’s allies give top marks for parade but the West is not won over

Brilliant. Pivotal. Very well held. That is how some countries described the massive military parade in the heart of the Chinese capital on Wednesday.

But these countries are either some of China’s closest neighbours or part of the developing world – a group that Beijing has long sought to influence. Elsewhere, particularly in the West, the reaction was more muted.

The parade had a dual effect – it marked 80 years since the end of World War II and showcased China’s growing military might and rising diplomatic stature.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as he watched the parade, alongside two dozen other world leaders.

In his opening address, Xi sought to present China as a stabilising world power, warning that humanity once again faced the choice between peace or war and dialogue or confrontation.

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China showcases new military hardware in massive Victory Day parade

China showcases new military hardware in massive Victory Day parade

Following the parade, Putin said the events were “held brilliantly, simply very well, at a high level”, according to Russia’s official Tass news agency.