Chinese peacekeepers took center stage at Beijing's Tian'anmen Square during Wednesday's Victory Day parade, marking 80 years since the end of World War II. For the first time, troops with United Nations peacekeeping experience marched alongside other formations, their presence underscoring China's growing role in global security initiatives.
President Xi Jinping addressed crowds along Chang'an Avenue – the Avenue of Eternal Peace – emphasizing China's commitment to multilateralism. "We will remain on the right side of history," declared Xi, who serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. "Building a shared future for humanity requires choosing dialogue over confrontation."
The parade featured three helicopters trailing banners proclaiming "Justice Will Prevail! Peace Will Prevail! The People Will Prevail!" – a message resonating with China's status as the UN Security Council's largest troop contributor to peacekeeping missions. Since 1989, over 50,000 Chinese personnel have served in 26 operations across 20 countries and regions.
UN Peace Operations chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix recently praised China's "significant, constructive" support during a CGTN interview. Data shows China contributed 18.69% of UN peacekeeping funds in 2024 – exceeding combined payments from France, Russia, and the UK.
The commemoration drew more than 20 global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Xi used the platform to advocate for "common security through equal treatment among nations," while noting China's unique constitutional commitment to peaceful development since 1949.
As the WWII's main Eastern theater, China's resistance efforts tied down 600,000 Japanese troops at the conflict's peak, according to historical records. Analysts suggest the parade's international focus aims to position China as a stabilizing force amid current geopolitical tensions.
