China’s 80th Victory Parade; A New Global Leadership on Display.

China’s 80th Victory Parade; A New Global Leadership on Display

Beijing, September 2025 – The 80th anniversary of China’s Victory Day parade was not just a commemoration of history but a deliberate showcase of shifting global power. The grand military display in Tiananmen Square brought together a select group of leaders on the central stage: Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and, most strikingly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

This carefully crafted lineup conveyed a powerful message to the world: China is realigning its strategic priorities, and Pakistan is now considered a pivotal partner in its emerging global vision.

The Symbolism of the Stage

The presence of Shehbaz Sharif on the dais alongside Xi, Putin, and Kim marked a historic moment in Pakistan’s diplomatic journey. Unlike India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi—who was neither invited nor acknowledged—Shehbaz Sharif was honored as a central figure. Not only did President Xi greet him warmly, but the Chinese First Lady also shook hands with him, underscoring a gesture of personal respect and friendship.

This imagery resonates with Pakistan’s historical standing in global diplomacy. After Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, no Pakistani leader had commanded such attention on an international stage. The warm exchanges, handshakes, and Sharif’s light-hearted conversations with more than twenty world leaders highlighted his growing popularity and acceptance in global politics.

The Parade’s Strategic Message

China used the event to showcase its expanding military capabilities:

• Hypersonic Missiles & Nuclear Deterrence: New DF-5C missiles and other advanced weaponry signaled Beijing’s readiness to compete with Western powers.

• Technological Superiority: Drones, stealth jets, and precision-guided systems reinforced China’s narrative of military modernization.

• Alliance Building: The choice of invited leaders reflected Beijing’s tilt toward building a coalition of non-Western powers, emphasizing Asia, Africa, and the Global South over traditional Western allies.

The parade was as much about symbolism as it was about hardware. By excluding India, the U.S., and other Western leaders, and instead elevating Pakistan, Russia, and North Korea, China revealed its vision for a new global order—one less dependent on the West.

Implications for Pakistan

For Pakistan, the event carried deep significance:

1. Recognition of Importance – China publicly acknowledged Islamabad as a core partner in its strategic future.

2. Geopolitical Visibility – The inclusion of Shehbaz Sharif in the “inner circle” of leaders projected Pakistan’s influence far beyond South Asia.

3. Economic and Defense Prospects – This newfound prominence could pave the way for stronger cooperation in infrastructure (CPEC), defense modernization, and diplomatic backing in international forums.

The warm reception of Shehbaz Sharif and the spotlight he received also marked Pakistan’s return to relevance on the world stage, bridging gaps that had long existed in its global perception.

The Global Takeaway

The image of Xi, Putin, Kim, and Shehbaz standing side by side captured a defining moment of geopolitical realignment. It illustrated China’s intent to lead a bloc of nations challenging the U.S.-led order while simultaneously offering partners like Pakistan a central role in shaping this alternative system.

While critics argue that this alignment could deepen divisions in international politics, for Beijing and Islamabad, the parade symbolized strength, friendship, and the promise of shared destiny.

📸 Key Image:

Xi Jinping with Shehbaz Sharif, Putin, and Kim at China’s Parade – Dawn

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.