People’s Republic of China has recently staged a spectacular display of military power, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. According to a report published in the BBC Urdu, the impressive event, held in Beijing’s iconic Tiananmen Square, was not only a commemoration of history but also a carefully orchestrated signal to the world: a new center of global power is rising, ready to challenge the century-old dominance of the United States.
The message from China, however, went far beyond military maneuvers and ceremonial grandeur. It was an assertion that global power dynamics are shifting, and Beijing intends to be at the forefront of shaping a new world order.
Trump’s Mixed Reactions
As the military parade unfolded in Beijing, Trump was engaged in talks with Polish President Karol Nawrocki at the Oval Office. During the meeting, he made little mention of the Chinese display. Yet, his remarks during a podcast interview revealed a tone that blended nonchalance with irritation and concern.
Trump insisted he was not “worried” about China showcasing its military might in front of leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, and more than two dozen heads of state. However, his tone shifted by Tuesday night when he took to Truth Social to complain that China had failed to give the United States due credit for its role in World War II.
“Please send my regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, who are conspiring against the United States,” Trump wrote sarcastically, signaling his discontent with China’s narrative.
Trump’s reactions underscore his long-standing fascination with military parades. Only months earlier, he himself had hosted a military march in Washington to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Though modest in scale compared to Beijing’s technologically advanced spectacle, Trump’s parade highlighted historical American achievements with World War II tanks and revolutionary-era uniforms on Constitution Avenue.
China’s Historical Narrative and Future Ambitions
The Beijing parade was not just about firepower. It was about reframing history. China emphasized its role in defeating fascism and imperialism during World War II, positioning itself as a central force in that victory. The Communist Party’s message was clear: if the war marked the beginning of the “American Century,” then the current era could very well be the dawn of a “Chinese Century.”
Richard Wilkie, a former aide during Trump’s first term, explained this as part of a calculated effort. “The first step in rewriting global rules is rewriting history,” he said, pointing out that nationalist Chinese forces and U.S. troops had played a much larger role in Japan’s defeat than the Communist army.
Nevertheless, Beijing’s projection of unity, power, and historical legitimacy serves as a foundation for its broader ambition—establishing a China-centric global order.
A New Axis of Friendships
While China’s parade attracted global headlines, another development equally worried U.S. policymakers: the growing alignment between China, Russia, and India.
Just days earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin. The meeting was symbolic of thawing relations between Beijing and New Delhi, strained for years due to border disputes. Analysts suggest that Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Indian goods had strained U.S.-India ties, indirectly pushing New Delhi closer to Beijing and Moscow.
This emerging triangle of China, Russia, and India illustrates how former rivals are uniting in response to shifting global realities. The “America First” trade policies pursued by Trump have rattled international economic partnerships, creating new space for alternative alliances.
Trump’s Tariff Gamble
Central to this geopolitical shuffle is Trump’s controversial tariff war. He introduced tariffs as a way to protect American industries and generate revenue, but the policy has triggered trade disputes worldwide.
Supporters of Trump argue that tariffs represent a bold stand against unfair trade practices, particularly by China. However, critics warn that his approach has isolated the United States and undermined long-standing alliances. Richard Wilkie, co-chair of the American Security program at the America First Foreign Policy Institute, emphasized that countries like South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam recognize the greater threat not in trade disruptions but in China’s expanding military clout.
Trump’s indifference to traditional allies’ concerns, while focusing instead on geographically closer interests like Greenland, Panama, and Canada, highlights his unconventional approach. Yet, this strategy risks backfiring.
Recently, a U.S. appeals court ruled that many of Trump’s tariffs were based on a misinterpretation of federal law. The former president has vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court, but even with a conservative majority, there is no guarantee of success. The courts have historically resisted presidential overreach in trade and policy matters, making Trump’s tariff framework legally vulnerable.
America’s Golden Age or Global Isolation?
Trump has consistently claimed that his trade policies would usher in a “second golden age” for America. Yet, mounting evidence suggests otherwise. Rather than strengthening the U.S. economy, tariffs have strained supply chains, increased costs for American consumers, and pushed allies toward rival blocs.
China’s display of military power, combined with closer cooperation between Beijing, Moscow, and New Delhi, demonstrates how Trump’s policies may have accelerated global polarization rather than reversing it.
The contrast between the two parades—China’s futuristic, disciplined showcase versus America’s nostalgic march down Constitution Avenue—symbolizes the competing narratives. China projects itself as the future, while Trump’s America looks back to a glorified past.
The Road Ahead
China’s grand parade and its message of a rising world order represent more than national pride. They are part of a deliberate strategy to present Beijing as the rightful leader of a multipolar world.
For the United States, the challenge lies not just in countering China militarily but also in navigating the ripple effects of its own policies. Trump’s tariff wars, legal battles, and “America First” rhetoric may resonate domestically, but globally they risk isolating the U.S. at a time when China is building coalitions.
As the world watches, the question remains: is the 21st century destined to be China’s century? Or will the United States find a way to adapt, recalibrate, and maintain its leadership role in a rapidly changing international order?
What is certain is that the military parade in Beijing was not simply about commemorating the past. It was a declaration of intent for the future—a future where China expects to stand at the center of global power.
As a foreign policy expert and commentator, Dr. Mohammad Arif has developed a reputation for presenting fact-based, analytical perspectives on pressing geopolitical issues, ranging from counter-terrorism to regional cooperation frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
