Sun, Sep 07, 2025 page8

• Beneath the CCP’s show of strength lies frailty

  • By Wang Hui-sheng 王輝生
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  The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on Wednesday raised the banner of victory in what it called the “War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War,” spending vast sums to hold a grand military parade.

  However, it was the US and the Allied forces who defeated Japan, not the CCP. The nation that accepted Japan’s surrender was the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)-led Republic of China (ROC), yet the CCP made no mention of these.

  When the war ended in 1945, the People’s Republic of China had not yet been established. Yet, it flaunts itself as the “main pillar” of the anti-fascist struggle and the “backbone” of the fight against Japan — an absurd performance of insecurity and lies, and a distortion of history.

  The parade was neither a commemoration of peace nor a mourning for the dead, but rather a disingenuous manipulation of history to embellish the so-called “one China” principle, bully Taiwan, sow discord in Taiwan-Japan-US relations and divert internal public discontent.

  The CCP faces a weakening economy, unstable public sentiment, military leaders falling one after another, vacancies in the Chinese Central Military Commission, and difficulties in foreign diplomacy. Its only recourse is to manufacture enemies and fan the flames of nationalism to create a false image of unity. Resisting Japan and opposing Taiwanese independence have become its go-to excuse.

  The parade was also a stage to show the CCP’s diplomatic strategy, with Beijing courting countries in the global south in an effort to assemble an anti-US alliance. Most Western developed nations were absent, and although the event was touted as “anti-fascist,” the honored guests were Russia, North Korea and several other authoritarian states.

  The BBC labeled the parade “a defiant push against the US-led world order” and “sheer political theater.” Beijing went to great efforts to craft an image of nations coming to pay tribute, but beneath that show of strength was obvious weakness.

  Perhaps the greatest irony lies in the insecurity that the CCP tries so desperately to mask. For countries that experienced World War II, a true commemoration of victory should be a reflection of peace, not a display of military strength. This is why none of the five victorious nations attended.

  As Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (老子) said: “Victory in war should be treated as a funeral,” for “a general achieves fame on the rotting bones of 10,000.” Behind every victory are countless lives laid to waste.

  The US and European countries have traditionally demonstrated solemnity and restraint in commemorating such events, but the CCP is trying to squeeze every last bit of benefit out of war, stoking anti-Japanese sentiment and turning hatred into fuel for its oppressive rule.

  Aggression toward the world reflects anxiety at home — the CCP’s display of toughness is a mirror reflecting its insecurities.

  “When things have become strong, they [then] become old, which may be said to be contrary to the Tao,” Lao Tzu said. Han Dynasty Emperor Wudi’s (漢武帝) ambition for power brought about the decline of the dynasty. Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong (乾隆) reached the height of his power after his Ten Great Campaigns, then it declined.

  Since Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping’s (鄧小平) policy of “reform and opening up,” China has risen by keeping a low profile. However, today it disregards the livelihoods of its people and engages in reckless militarism, repeating the cycle — once things reach an extreme, that momentum tends to reverse.

  Behind China’s bluffs is anxiety of losing control. If those in power fail to wake up, history might repeat itself soon.

  Wang Hui-sheng is a founding member of the East Asian Research Institute.

  Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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