The stage is set in the heart of Beijing for a grand display of power and military might that has been choreographed by President Xi Jinping.
Eight huge Chinese flags flutter and flank the portrait of Mao Zedong, the founder of Communist China, which sits atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace overlooking Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world.
Below are rows of seats reserved for 26 foreign heads of state, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, whose attendance is viewed as a diplomatic win for Xi.
Across the road, near the Great Hall of the People, two huge floral arrangements commemorate the end of World War II, alongside seating for around 50,000 invitees.
On the last day of preparations—Monday—Chang'an Avenue, the multi-lane road cutting through the square, was opened to the public again. Drivers and cyclists held their phones aloft, capturing the scene.
This parade ostensibly marks 80 years since Japan's surrender in the war and China’s victory against an occupying force, but it serves as a pivotal moment for President Xi.
Significantly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit marked his first to China in seven years, a move aimed at rebooting economic and strategic ties. Moreover, more than 20 world leaders attended the recently concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the largest ever gathering.
In historic context, a North Korean leader's attendance at the parade is notable, marking the first time since 1959.
The SCO summit has allowed Xi to project power and outline a vision of a new world order, an effort to challenge US dominance. Leaders from Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, and Central Asian nations will witness the intricate troop formations and new military technologies, including hypersonic weapons and unmanned underwater drones. Only Serbian and Slovakian leaders represent the West.
Kim Jong Un's unexpected attendance adds to the spectacle, his customary armoured train followed by a motorcade of bodyguards.
While the parade highlights China's military strength and Xi's influence, there's also a clear domestic focus: pride and patriotism.
China refers to World War II as the people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression, despite substantial resistance coming from nationalists who were later defeated by Mao’s forces and are largely absent from historical narratives today.
Recent weeks saw the release of films portraying this struggle, accompanied by state media campaigns promoting a revised view of WWII history—a strategy that has caused tensions with Japan, as seen in Beijing's protest against Japan's attempts to dissuade other nations from attending the parade.
The atmosphere leading up to the parade reflects a rallying call to the nation facing economic challenges, including high youth unemployment and falling property prices. Reports suggest ongoing anti-corruption drives, adding to the public discontent, especially among the youth, which has been manifesting even on the tightly controlled internet.
Consequently, Beijing has ramped up security in preparation for the parade. Guards are stationed near overpasses and bridges, and extraordinary measures—such as banning drones and enhancing airport security—have been enacted to maintain control in a city of over 21 million residents.
Preparations for the first military parade in six years have seen 200,000 flags installed throughout Beijing, with installations celebrating China's historical narrative prominently displayed.
In recent days, life in Beijing has been upturned by the impending parade, with schools, businesses, and hotels along the parade route closed, and multiple road diversions and subway line closures creating significant transport disruptions.
To ensure favorable weather, forecasters predict clear skies, with possibilities of earlier enhancements through cloud-seeding, a tactic employed in past events. However, the current situation reflects an atmosphere of control, as authorities brace for President Xi's significant day.
