Expats hail China's V-Day military parade as eye-opening

Video and photos by Lin Songtao

Local expat residents who watched the massive military parade in central Beijing yesterday morning, which was overseen by President Xi Jinping, described the event as an eye-opening experience.

Held to mark the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the parade featured towering Great Wall-shaped structures in Tian’anmen Square that symbolized the nation’s courage and unity in resisting foreign aggression.

International residents gather and watch a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War together in Shekou yesterday. 

“That was really powerful,” said Cecilia Hofflander, a Swedish resident who watched the display with several other expats in Shekou.

Hofflander and her husband relocated to China in 2008. “We lived in Beijing at that time. I saw a parade for the first time in 2009,” said she, adding that today’s spectacle was on another scale. 

She expressed surprise at how much China has progressed economically and technologically over the years, as reflected in the array of advanced weaponry and modern airplanes that were on display.

(From front L) Igor Orlov, Alisa Orlova, Sava Tomoiaga and Lis Tatiana watch the parade with interest.

Despite the show of modern military hardware, China’s stated commitment to peaceful development impressed Italian wine dealer Alessandro Mugnano.

“China’s armed forces have not been involved in wars or military conflicts [for a long time], even though the world has never been truly peaceful,” said the CEO of Interprocom Group, a Shenzhen-based Italian wine dealership in China. 

Sava Tomoiaga, a long-term expat from Romania, couldn’t help but raise her mobile phone to film as more than 10,000 soldiers with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), organized according to the wartime command system, marched in tight, powerful formations past Tian’anmen Square, where President Xi, diplomats, foreign guests, and other State leaders reviewed the parade.

“It was one of a kind,” she said. “Their faces were lit with confidence and pride. Despite the heat, they didn’t even blink.”

Participants pose for a group photo with a Chinese national flag after the viewing event in Shekou.

Pakistani journalist Syed Aoon Sherazi sent a congratulatory message to Shenzhen Daily to mark the occasion: “Hearty congratulations to China on the 80th anniversary of the great victory. This historic milestone is a reminder of the courage, sacrifices, and resilience of the Chinese nation. May China continue to rise in strength, peace, and prosperity, inspiring the world with its wisdom and progress. Long live China-Pakistan friendship.”

Don Rechtman, a U.S. citizen currently residing in Shenzhen, said he was struck by the morale of the military parade participants. "Those participating in the parade, their stern faces and stances notwithstanding, showed their pride and excitement and sense of honor of just being there,” he said. 

Rechtman added the experience had shifted his perspective on U.S. global influence. “China is showing the world that leaders don’t need to rely on force to gain power and respect,” he said. “The ancient Chinese text 'The Art of War' serves as the instruction manual for President Xi’s demonstration by example to other leaders that creating global prosperity, and peace is the true key to lasting power."