In Short:
– Leaders from Russia, Iran, and North Korea will attend Beijing’s military parade marking Japan’s WWII defeat.
– The event will showcase China’s military strength and support for President Xi Jinping amid Western influence.

Leaders from Russia, Iran, and North Korea will attend a military parade in Beijing this week, commemorating 80 years since the defeat of Japan in the Second World War. According to The Guardian, the event will showcase China’s military strength as an alternative to the Western-led global order.

The parade will feature leaders from 26 states and is seen as a demonstration of international support for President Xi Jinping. Analysts describe the gathering as an expression of the so-called “axis of upheaval,” with a focus on countering Western influence.

Military Showcase

The showcase aims to compare Chinese military capabilities with those of the US. Recent months have highlighted China’s narrative surrounding World War II, which diminishes Western contributions and emphasises its own role against Japanese aggression. Analysts expect to see advancements in Chinese military technology, particularly fighter jets relevant to potential conflicts in Taiwan. With the desire for self-sufficiency in military production, China aims to rely less on foreign technologies, including Russian engines.