September 3: Chinese military parade’s real signal meant for Taiwan, may be US also?
All eyes are on China as it has decided to hold a massive military parade on September 3, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World War II. China’s State Council Information Office’s plan to hold a press conference on the preparations for the parade has already generated a lot of speculations across the globe.
However, the global community is keeping a close watch on emerging news reports on new capabilities of China, which it is all set to showcase at its huge upcoming military parade. Besides this, a Chinese movie on the Imperial Japanese Army’s notorious Unit 731 has been rescheduled for screening from September 18. Observers describe these events as part of the Chinese Communist Party’s strategic move to send a message especially to Taiwan — and, by extension, the United States — than Japan itself. They will keep a close watch on signals for Taiwan, with both military hardware and historical connections through public and political messages.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s announcement about his counterpart Xi Jinping promise of no invasion of the island while he is in office, has compelled China to rephrase its stand on the issue. China said that it is prepared to pursue peaceful reunification. China also called Taiwan as an “internal matter”. The development has evoked mixed reactions in different diplomatic circles. While some described it as a relief for Taiwan, others said that China cannot be trusted for its words.
As far as Taiwan is concerned, it perceives the parade as a ‘political weapon’ aimed at undermining its sovereignty. Precisely for this reason, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has already distanced itself from Beijing’s plans to engage with individual Taiwanese. Taiwan has barred serving and retired government officials from attending military parade in China on September 3. In July too, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) warned that retired veterans who accepted Beijing’s invitation might have their pensions revoked.
The mega event will feature the latest and most advanced weapons of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and a speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping that is expected to indicate China’s foreign policy and the future direction of the country’s military. According to media reports, China might unveil some new models of carrier-based fighter jets. Chinese aircraft carriers were deployed near Taiwan in the recent past, launching fighter jets towards the east coast of Taiwan.
It may be noted that Beijing has reiterated that it would use the parade to show that it is resolute in defending the post-World War II global order – an order in which it sees Taiwan as part of the country. While Taiwan will not be the theme of the event, Beijing has already started telegraphing messages towards the self-ruled island. It is nothing but an extension of the Chinese Communist Party’s “united front” strategy. Also, it is a confirmation that Taiwan perceives the parade as a political weapon aimed at undermining its sovereignty. The message is clear. While China resisted occupation in the past, it will not tolerate separatism in the present. Hence, Japan is invoked rhetorically but Taiwan is the real target. Experts say that it is less about commemorating 1945 and more about reminding Taiwan — and the world — of Beijing’s unyielding claim to sovereignty.
Moreover, military parades are more about deterrence and projection. The ‘September 3’ event is a brazen attempt by People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) to show case latest advancements such as hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, naval power, and cyber capabilities. These displays have no relevance to 1945’s struggle against Japanese imperialism than to the contemporary balance of power in East Asia. Experts say that Beijing’s message is loud and clear that reunification of Taiwan with mainland China is non-negotiable and that China has both the will and the means to enforce its claims.
For the United States and its allies, the parade is a clear signal of China’s growing confidence in its military readiness. It is also a reminder that any intervention in the Taiwan Strait will not be cost-free. Japan, by contrast, receives only an indirect message. The parade does not seek to intimidate Tokyo directly but instead highlights the risks Japan faces as part of the US Indo-Pacific alliance system.
It is time to expose CCP’s false claim that it is a protector of sovereignty and guardian of historical justice. The global community should tell China in clear terms that enough is enough.
