Xi Jinping Showcases Military Might Amid Global Diplomacy

Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently hosting a significant summit in Shanghai, where he has welcomed leaders from across Asia and the Middle East. This gathering, which runs from March 15 to March 17, 2024, aims to project Xi’s vision of a new global order. Following the diplomatic efforts of the past few days, Xi is set to display a striking show of military strength with a grand parade on March 15. The event will take place along the Avenue of Eternal Peace, featuring advanced hypersonic weapons, nuclear-capable missiles, and undersea drones, all paraded alongside thousands of soldiers.

The contrasting elements of soft and hard power in Xi’s approach signal a clear message: China aspires to redefine global standards and is prepared to confront Western influence. The significance of Xi’s guest list cannot be overlooked. The summit has attracted over two dozen leaders, including notable figures such as Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, alongside Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran. This convergence marks a historic moment, uniting leaders from nations viewed by some Western observers as forming an anti-American coalition.

For Western leaders advocating for increased pressure on Putin to conclude his ongoing war in Ukraine, the optics of this gathering are stark. The alliances forming between Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia highlight a shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly as these countries maintain mutual support, with Iran and North Korea providing military resources to Russia. As Xi shares the stage with these leaders, he positions himself as a key global player capable of influencing the conflict in Ukraine, all while rejecting the West’s established norms.

Xi, who has been China’s most authoritative leader in decades, is seizing the opportunity to assert China’s role on the world stage. The timing of this summit is particularly poignant, coinciding with a period of upheaval in U.S. foreign policy. Under previous President Donald Trump, the U.S. altered its alliances and imposed economic sanctions that affected various nations, including allies. In contrast, Xi is portraying China as a stable alternative in a chaotic world.

During his recent speeches to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Xi emphasized a vision of a world in turmoil, arguing that China is the responsible power poised to guide the international community. He criticized the idea of a “cold war mentality,” calling for cooperation and mutual respect among nations. Xi’s commitment to providing hundreds of millions in grants to SCO member states further reinforces this intent.

The diplomatic gestures observed in recent days reflect a growing camaraderie among the leaders present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, for instance, was seen engaging warmly with Putin and Xi, signaling a potential shift in India’s diplomatic stance. This warmth is notable, especially given the recent imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports to the U.S., a penalty linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

The dynamics in Southeast Asia may also shift as nations reconsider their positions amid these new geopolitical alignments. Experts suggest that Xi’s approach represents a critical moment for leaders who have historically balanced their relationships between the U.S. and China.

While Xi seeks to bolster his image by showcasing these high-profile gatherings, he is simultaneously pushing back against Western criticism regarding his affiliations with countries like North Korea and Russia. The military parade on March 15 will be a defining moment, uniting leaders from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran in a way that has not been seen before. This event symbolizes a potential shift in global governance, as Xi seeks to assert that he can redefine who is considered acceptable on the world stage, independent of U.S. perspectives.

Despite the potential benefits Xi may gain from these alignments, he remains cautious not to overtly endorse aggressive actions by these nations. Observers note that while China has provided material support to Russia, it has refrained from supplying lethal weaponry. Instead, Xi’s focus is on presenting a united front that challenges the narratives set by Western powers.

The military parade commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, a potent reminder of China’s historical struggles and its desire to reshape the post-war narrative. Both Xi and Putin draw from this history to position themselves as protectors of a new international order, one they argue is necessary due to perceived neglect of their security concerns by the U.S. and its allies.

Xi’s week of diplomacy and military display serves as an unequivocal assertion of China’s rising influence. As he invites leaders from around the globe to align with him, he is not only promoting a vision of a stable alternative to U.S. leadership but also challenging the existing power dynamics that have favored Western nations for decades.