Former PM Helen Clark Reflects on WWII Commemoration in China

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark expressed mixed emotions about her participation in a military parade in China, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II. Clark, alongside fellow former Prime Minister Sir John Key, attended the event hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which showcased a display of military might, including vehicles, heavy weaponry, and a flyover by warplanes.

The 90-minute ceremony took place on August 15, 2025, and featured thousands of servicemen and women. Clark described the decision to attend as a “line call,” acknowledging the presence of other leaders including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, but emphasized her attendance was a private matter aimed at fostering New Zealand’s relationship with China.

During an interview on Morning Report, Clark highlighted the broad participation at the event, stating it was a necessary engagement given China’s significance as a major trade partner. She noted, “We are former prime ministers who both contributed a lot to getting the very strong economic relationship with China that New Zealand enjoys today.”

Clark and Key shook hands with Xi upon their arrival, engaging with other dignitaries, including former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr. The former prime ministers maintained that they were not representing New Zealand officially but were there to acknowledge the historical significance of the event.

Reflecting on the presence of leaders like Putin and Kim, Clark said, “I did not meet with them, which was rather a relief.” She emphasized the importance of commemorating the end of the war while looking forward to future cooperation. China had framed the event as a recommitment to the founding mission of the United Nations, a perspective Clark found compelling.

She underscored the necessity of engaging with emerging powers like China, stating, “We have to engage. We have to be very clear what our own values are.” Clark’s comments highlight the balancing act between diplomatic engagement and moral considerations in international relations, particularly in the context of leaders who may not align with democratic values.

RNZ has reached out to Sir John Key for his perspective on the event. As global dynamics shift, the role of former leaders like Clark and Key in fostering international relations remains crucial, particularly for a nation like New Zealand that values its economic ties with China.