V-Day commemorations prove anti-China claims hollow

People's Liberation Army honor guards take part in the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

By Xia Lu

The grand military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War on September 3 was not only a solemn tribute to history but also as a vivid counterpoint to the so-called "China threat" theory.

As three flags – the national flag of the People's Republic of China, the flag of the Communist Party of China, and the flag of the People's Liberation Army – fluttered at the forefront of the troops, the world witnessed not a threat but a responsible major power's commitment to peaceful development.

China's rise: A continuation of peace

China was not merely a "participant" or "forgotten ally" in World War II but a pillar of the Eastern battlefield. Its contributions were holding back the main force of Japanese fascism and relieving pressure on other battlefields. This prevented the Axis powers from linking up and disrupted Japan's global ambition. It also promoted international anti-fascist unity and shaped the post-war order.

Any attempt to downplay or ignore China's contributions to the victory is inconsistent with historical facts. Recognizing these contributions not only shows respect for the 35 million Chinese victims but is also a guarantee for maintaining the authenticity of world anti-fascist history and safeguarding the post-war international order based on the victory.

The profound lesson from this victory is that peace is deeply ingrained in the Chinese nation's DNA. The Chinese, once among the biggest victims of war, are aware of the value of peace all too well.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind, demonstrating the nation's responsibility as a major power. This sense of responsibility was emphasized by the first public display of new domain and new quality combat power like unmanned intelligence, cyber-electronic warfare and land-sea-air-based strategic weapons, which pointed to building up national defense rather than external expansion.

An airborne unmanned warfare formation at the military parade in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's defense: Balancing development and security

Proponents of the "China threat" theory often cite China's military spending growth and equipment modernization as reasons for alarm. However, the data tells a different story.

In the budget for the financial year 2025, China's military spending accounts for less than two percent of its GDP. In fact, China's defense spending has maintained single-digit growth for 10 years running since 2016, and its share as a percentage of GDP has been kept under 1.5 percent for many years, lower than the global average.

For decades, China lagged behind in national defense modernization, and its current development is a reasonable reinforcement of national security. More importantly, China has transformed its military strength into a lever for maintaining world peace. From escort missions to international peacekeeping operations, from delivering medical supplies to collaborating on climate change, the Chinese military has consistently acted as a "peace force."

The underlying fear of the "China threat" stems from a lack of understanding of China's peaceful development path. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, China has transformed its development dividends into global public goods.

In 2024, China continued to contribute over 30 percent of global economic growth, a stark contrast to the "colonial plunder" by the Western powers in history. As a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the London-based think tank, stated, "China's rise has created unprecedented opportunities for cooperation rather than threats."

China's strength: Building a community with a shared future

During the parade, dove-shaped drones soared over Tiananmen Square, forming a symphony with the ground troops and symbolizing China's vision for the future order: not a zero-sum game but a community with a shared future for humanity.

The leaders of 26 countries and representatives of international organizations gathered in Beijing witnessed not only the transparent display of China's military strength but also the wisdom of an ancient civilization contributing to global governance. From proposing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative to the latest Global Governance Initiative, China has been proving with concrete actions that its rise follows the coordinates of a peaceful development path.

Eighty years ago, China defended itself with blood and sweat; 80 years later, it has dispelled prejudices through peaceful development. The voices hyping the "China threat" theory will eventually be washed away by past history and present facts. China pursuing national rejuvenation has never been a real threat; the real threat is an old order clinging to a Cold War mentality and trying to foster division and confrontation.

Commemorations that focus on solidarity, future-oriented lessons and people-to-people connection are bridges for building mutual trust. They are indispensable for safeguarding global peace and stability.

Xia Lu, a special commentator for CGTN, is a research fellow at the National Academy of Development and Strategy of Renmin University of China and deputy dean of the School of Marxism Studies at Xinjiang University.