China’s 2025 Victory day military parade showcased its growing military strength and aspirations as a major global power, drawing international attention. The display included advanced weaponry such as the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missiles and a nuclear triad, reinforcing its deterrence capabilities. The presence of leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, contrasted with the absence of U.S. officials, highlighted a potential non-Western alliance. Though, alongside this show of force, the parade also emphasized China’s commitment to peace, with President Xi Jinping‘s speech and symbolic gestures reinforcing this message.

During the ceremony, President Xi Jinping stated that “China will always be a force for peace,” while soldiers chanted, “justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the peopel will prevail.” The emphasis on “peace” underscores its integration into China’s worldview and foreign policy. Under Xi Jinping, China has consistently asserted that peace is inherent to its national identity. At a similar military parade in 2019, he declared that “the Chinese nation does not carry aggressive or hegemonic traits in its genes,” linking harmony to China’s long history.

This integration of peace into chinese culture reflects efforts to align Confucian ideals with modern foreign policy. These narratives frequently appear in Beijing’s justification of its role in global governance and its self-image as a force for peace. This framing suggests that china’s pursuit of peace is not a choice but a natural progression.

China’s emphasis on peace is also rooted in its past experiences as a victim of aggression. Beijing frequently enough references its past suffering to emphasize its commitment to order and harmony. State media coverage of the parade highlighted the sacrifices made by the Chinese people during World War II, portraying peace as a hard-won achievement. These narratives provide a moral basis for its actions. Rather than acknowledging coercive measures, Beijing frequently enough frames its actions as justified consequences.

Narratives of China’s wartime victory highlight the notable casualties it endured and its role as the first nation to resist fascist aggression. These reminders support Beijing’s portrayal of itself as a harmonious power. China’s narrative suggests that its claim to peace gains moral strength through its history of victimhood.On a practical level, China also views peace as essential for ensuring prosperity and stability. During the parade, Xi Jinping reaffirmed the commitment to peaceful development despite global uncertainties and concerns about the “China threat.”

Peaceful development and coexistence have been consistent themes in Chinese foreign policy, reflecting the idea that economic interdependence promotes shared prosperity and lasting peace. This perspective was evident during Xi Jinping’s recent trip to Southeast Asia, where he emphasized the link between regional stability and economic progress, positioning China as vital to the region’s development. China continues to promote the idea of peace through prosperity, even while showcasing its military capabilities.

Like other major powers, China seeks to promote harmony and shared prosperity. However, its vision is distinguished by its emphasis on past suffering and its economic appeal.China’s narrative combines an innate commitment to peace,historical victimhood,and peaceful development to present itself as a unique,non-Western,and ultimately benign major power.

The display of missiles and the presence of leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un sent a strong message, notably to Western audiences. Though, this is only part of the story. Chinese narratives accompanying the parade emphasized the defensive nature of its national defense policy. Beijing stressed its commitment to a no-first-use nuclear doctrine and its focus on safeguarding prosperity and development. In contrast, Washington’s decision to revive the historic department of War reinforces Beijing’s image as a force for peace, portraying its rival as embracing assertiveness.

By presenting itself as pacifist, China aims to portray its capabilities as markers of readiness rather than tools of coercion. For China, military modernization is essential for major-power status and for leading those left behind by the Western liberal order. beijing views its strength as proof of its ability to guarantee peace. Chinese officials argue that the world is facing a governance deficit and blame the U.S.-led West for destabilizing the international order. they also highlight the rise of the Global South as evidence that global governance reforms are necessary.

China has proposed supplements to the UN-based system. At the SCO summit, Xi unveiled the Global Governance Initiative, signaling China’s intention to reshape the global order. He emphasized the need for greater depiction of Global South countries in global governance, encouraging their participation through the BRICS bloc.Meanwhile, Washington’s leadership is facing scrutiny, particularly due to its use of trade as a weapon.

Chinese narratives often contrast America’s perceived decline with China’s contributions to peace and global governance. Chinese academics emphasize that China’s vision of peace is rooted in the UN Charter.By linking peace to the UN Charter and the post-war international order, Beijing presents itself as the true successor to the victory of 1945. The weapons displayed during the parade were intended to signal China’s readiness to safeguard peace, shape global governance, and assume a leadership role.

China’s commitment to peace is best evaluated through its actions and how its partners perceive them. While some states have territorial disputes with China, many of its neighbors are moving closer to Beijing. this shift is driven by economic factors and doubts about Washington’s reliability. Beijing’s narratives reinforce this point, portraying American hegemony as declining and U.S. foreign policy as erratic.

Claims of peace and stability by major powers are always relative. Xi Jinping is promoting a multipolar order with China as a key player,while Washington’s approach has raised doubts. China is leveraging its military capabilities and its vision to reform the post-war order. Whether genuine or performative, China’s appeals to peace should be assessed within the context of a changing international landscape. The triumphalism displayed during the parade lends some credibility to its promise of peace and prosperity.

“China will always be a force for peace.”