New Delhi/Beijing: More than 10,000 soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Air Force and Navy goose-stepped the historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing today and showcased the latest generation of missiles, drones, tanks and fighter jets in a display of military might to mark 80 years of China’s victory against Japan during World War 2.
Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the Guard of Honour. The military parade which was held to commemorate the ‘80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War,’’ was witnessed by 26 world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
US President Donald Trump was quick to react, describing the parade as a ‘conspiracy’ against the United States.
PLA’s new system of services and arms were displayed at the parade for the first time. These included unmanned intelligence equipment, hypersonic missiles and electronic jamming systems. This was the second time since 2015 that China has held a military parade to commemorate the victory in the ‘’Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.’’
Helicopters flew over Tiananmen Square carrying banners that read “Justice Prevails,” “Peace Prevails” and “The People Prevail.”
In his speech, President Xi said the PLA should provide strategic support for China’s rejuvenation. He reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development saying humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games. He said China’s rejuvenation is ‘’unstoppable’’ and humanity’s cause of peace and development will prevail.
“The Chinese people will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with the rest of the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity,” he said.
Dressed in a grey Mao suit, President Xi called upon nations to eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring.
President Xi who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said common security can only be safeguarded when nations across the world treat each other as equals, live in harmony, and mutually support one another.
He said that as inhabitants of the same planet, humanity must stand together in times of difficulty, live in harmony, and never relapse into the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak.
Stressing that Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development, Xi said China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world.
‘’It is sincerely hoped that all countries will learn from history, value peace, and work together to advance world modernization and create a better future for humanity,’’ he said in his address.
President Trump in immediate reaction, said on his social media platform ‘’Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.’’
‘’The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and blood that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader. Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice! May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,’’ Trump wrote on social media.
After the parade President Xi signed an order to commend all personnel who participated in the military parade saying the parade displayed the strength of a powerful military.
‘’The parade has fully demonstrated the resolve and strength of the people’s armed forces in resolutely defending national sovereignty, security and development interests, and in safeguarding world peace, according to the order,’’ the order said.
It called on all units and service members of the armed forces to accelerate the building of the people’s military into a world-class force.
UNI
