New Delhi/Beijing, Sep 3 (UNI) In a display of its military might to mark 80 years since World War II ended, China
today held a massive parade at the historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing showcasing its latest generation of missiles,
tanks, drones and fighter jets.
US President Donald Trump was quick to react to China's show of strengnth and described it as a 'conspiracy.'
More than 10,000 soldiers of the Peoples’ liberation Army (PLA), Chinese Air Force and Navy and nearly 100 aircraft participated in the parade commemorating the ‘’80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.’’
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were among the 26 world leaders who attended the event which followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in the port city of Tianjin in North China on August 31-September 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who also attended the SCO Summit, however, did not attend the military parade today and had returned home on September 1 after the conclusion of the SCO Summit.
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, according to China's government readout.
President Xi 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 inspected the Guard of Honour standing in a vehicle before the parade began.
He 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.
US President Donald Trump, in an immediate reaction to the parade and China’s display of its military strebngth, described it as a ‘’conspiracy’’ against the US.
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
‘’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.
UNI RB 1620