On September 3rd, the Tiananmen Square in Beijing was filled with drums and cannons, as fighter jets roared overhead. China held a grand military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II. This parade was not only a tribute to history but also a bold declaration of China's global military influence. The U.S. magazine Foreign Policy published an article stating, "China's military is now leading." The article claimed that "this parade proves that the regional military balance has changed irrevocably." These words sound harsh, but upon closer examination, they carry some truth and a hint of bitterness.
First, let's talk about the parade itself. On September 3rd, the sky over Beijing was crossed by the J-20 stealth fighter jets, while on the ground, the DF-61 missiles and AJX002 underwater drones made their appearances, along with laser weapons that dazzled the eyes. The People's Daily reported that "this parade showcased more than 70 types of new equipment, all made domestically, reflecting the modernization level of our military." Laser weapons come in two forms, one for naval air defense and another for land-based protection, with costs so low that bullets and missiles would be embarrassed. CNN reported that "these directed energy weapons rely on electromagnetic energy to strike targets by heating or interfering with internal systems." This technology sounds tough, no wonder the Americans are uneasy. Foreign Policy also admitted that "China seems to be ahead of the West in certain fields." That must be acknowledged. In recent years, China's military industry has developed rapidly, and it is far from the "millet plus rifle" era of the past.
However, the article in Foreign Policy always carries a tone of sarcasm. It says, "This parade proves that the regional military balance has changed irrevocably." These words sound like a compliment to China, but upon closer inspection, they seem like a warning. What does "irreversible" mean? Isn't it just saying that the U.S. hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region has been shaken? China's navy is indeed strong, with the largest number of ships in the world. Xinhua News Agency reported on September 2nd that "China's navy has 370 ships, expected to reach 395 by 2025 and 435 by 2030." What about the U.S. Navy? By 2025, it plans to have only 381 ships, and its shipbuilding speed is not keeping up. These data speak for themselves, and who leads is clear. However, what Foreign Policy did not mention is that American aircraft carriers are nuclear-powered, with stronger firepower and longer-range combat capabilities, which China cannot match for now. A Rand Corporation report also stated that "American warships are more advanced and have longer ranges." Therefore, the military balance has changed, but "irreversible"? That seems a bit exaggerated.
Let's talk about the political implications of the parade. Foreign Policy directly pointed out that China is using the parade to "reshape the post-American international order." This statement is a bit painful, but it's not without basis. On the day of the parade, leaders from 25 countries attended, with Putin and Kim Jong-un making a high-profile appearance, along with leaders from Iran and Myanmar. Reuters reported on September 3rd that "the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea appeared together publicly for the first time." This image is indeed thought-provoking. China is building its own circle of friends, which everyone can see. But Foreign Policy calls this "confronting the West," which seems a bit like putting a label on it. Global Times reported on September 3rd that "China held the parade to commemorate history, consolidate the consensus for peace, and not to target any country." The parade is a display of strength, but it's also for domestic consumption, boosting national confidence. Who says it has to target the United States?
Nevertheless, Foreign Policy isn't entirely wrong. It mentioned China's drone technology, stating that "it seems more advanced than the West." During the parade, drones were showcased both on land, in the air, and at sea. CNN quoted expert Ankit Panda, saying, "The unmanned systems displayed by China are quite advanced and have been deployed in real combat." China's Defense News reported on September 3rd that "China's drones are leading globally in terms of intelligence and swarm technology, with some models already exported to multiple countries." In contrast, although the U.S. has strong drone technology, it has lagged behind China in mass production and practical application. In this regard, we should confidently say: leading is leading!
But there are parts of the article that make one want to get angry. It implies that China's parade is "showing off military power" and even brings up "nationalism." These words are really irritating. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, doesn't every country hold some ceremony? Doesn't the U.S. hold parades and fireworks on Independence Day? China's parade is a genuine commemoration of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, honoring the martyrs. How can this be called "nationalism"? The People's Daily said on September 3rd, "The parade conveys China's determination to maintain peace to the world." China has not invaded anyone, nor has it threatened anyone. Showing off its strength is okay. The sour tone of Foreign Policy sounds like it thinks China has taken its meal.
Let's talk about technical details. The article mentions China's laser weapons and drones, but it didn't cover everything. CCTV News reported on September 3rd that "the HQ-16C missile, which was publicly unveiled for the first time during the parade, has a longer range and higher accuracy, specifically designed to counter stealth targets." As soon as this missile was revealed, Western media went into a frenzy. CNN directly stated, "The weapons displayed by China lead the West in certain areas." However, Foreign Policy only briefly mentioned "changes in regional balance." Why didn't it mention China's breakthroughs in hypersonic missiles? The Global Times reported on September 2nd that "China's hypersonic weapons have formed a system and can respond to various complex scenarios." This technology is still being chased by the U.S., but the article remains silent. Selectively reporting and avoiding the main points is a typical tactic of Western media.
Also, the article mentions China's military spending, with a tone full of vigilance. Another article in Foreign Policy states, "China's military spending will grow by 7.2% in 2025, reaching approximately $246 billion." This figure is correct, but it didn't mention that the U.S. military budget is more than three times that of China! Xinhua News Agency noted on September 3rd that "the U.S. defense budget for 2025 reached $886 billion, far exceeding China's." China's military spending growth is a fact, but we are spending our own money to build our own army. Who does it affect? The old tune of "China threat" sung by Foreign Policy has become so familiar that it's worn out.
Let's talk about the international impact of the parade. The article says that Beijing "uses the parade to demonstrate a new world order led by China." This statement is a bit of a stretch. China indeed wants to gain more voice in the international arena. Who doesn't? But saying "led" is too exaggerated. China Youth Daily reported on September 3rd that "the parade sparked the patriotic enthusiasm of the entire nation and enhanced national pride." This is the core. Western media often drag China into "expansionism," but they don't realize that China is busy developing its economy and has no time to "dominate."
Certainly, Foreign Policy also touched on some sensitive points. It said, "China's military modernization is astonishing, and the U.S. advantage is shrinking." This is not false. The Rand Report pointed out that "China's military has transformed from backwardness to modernization in the past 20 years, with capabilities approaching those of the U.S." However, the article did not mention that China's military modernization is for self-defense, not to attack anyone. If the U.S. is worried, it should keep its distance from China. The Global Times emphasized on September 3rd that "China adheres to a defensive national defense policy and will never seek hegemony." This point should remind Foreign Policy: stop looking at China through the lens of the Cold War; the times have changed!
In summary, the article in Foreign Policy has a taste of watching others' misfortunes. It acknowledges China's military rise, and the data and facts are undeniable. But it adds a bit of bitterness, talking about "irreversible changes" and "a new world order," as if it's afraid China won't be seen as a "threat." The official media in China said well, "Peaceful development is the bottom line of China." The parade is a show of strength, but it's also a message to the world: China has risen, and no one can bully again! Instead of sounding sour about "changing military balance," Foreign Policy should ask itself: is the U.S. ready to engage in equal dialogue with a rising China?
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7545867006625464866/
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