The 3 September 2025 parade revealed a fractured West — and a China no longer hiding its ambitions
By Professor Andrew Azarov, Business and Economics, International Business academy Consortium (UK)
Part I. Introduction and General Context
On 3 September 2025, the world witnessed an event that is difficult to overestimate: a grand military parade in Beijing, organised to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. At first glance, it was just a traditional celebration, a demonstration of strength and discipline. In reality, however, it was something much greater: a political declaration, a strategic manifesto, and a signal to the entire world that the international balance of power is shifting rapidly.
China demonstrated not only military might but also its ambition to become the architectural centre of a new world order. From columns of intercontinental ballistic missiles DF-5C to the latest unmanned systems, from the strict synchrony of the parade to the carefully choreographed presence of foreign leaders – every element was aimed not at the domestic audience, but at the global stage.
And here lies the main challenge for the West: the United States and Europe were left standing aside. If a decade ago such parades were perceived in Washington as mere symbolic rhetoric, today they form part of Beijing’s systemic strategy. Yet America, mired in its own political crises, failed to respond in time and to develop a coherent containment strategy.
The mistake of the United States
Over the last 20 years, the United States has missed its moment. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan exhausted resources. Political polarisation paralysed the capacity for long-term planning. The “America First” policy alienated allies and eroded trust. Meanwhile, China was building strength – not only militarily, but also economically, diplomatically, and technologically.
Symbolically, the parade in Beijing took place at a moment when the US is no longer perceived in Asia as the sole guarantor of security. Its role has become debatable, its words less weighty, and its commitments increasingly questioned.
Europe in disarray
The European Union finds itself in an even more vulnerable position. Formally, it supports Ukraine and speaks of strategic autonomy. In practice, however, it is divided by the interests of individual states. Germany and France increasingly engage in independent talks with China, Italy wavers between Brussels and Beijing, while Eastern Europe looks to Washington but is increasingly doubtful of its ability to deliver protection.
The United Kingdom, following Brexit, also lost much of its traditional influence as a bridge between the US and the EU. London is trying to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific, but without coordination with allies, such efforts are reduced in effectiveness.
A new centre of power
The key message of the Beijing parade was clear: the world is entering an era of three poles. The first is the United States, formally retaining leadership but increasingly weakened by internal crises. The second is Europe, unable to produce a common strategy. And the third is China, which no longer merely aspires but openly asserts its right to global leadership.
This is what makes the 2025 parade historic. For the first time since the Cold War, the West does not hold a monopoly on power, technology, and alliances. More than that, the event highlighted a fracture that Beijing is determined to exploit to the fullest.
.jfif)
.jpg)
.jpg)
