Beijing just served major peace vibes! On Wednesday, Tian’anmen Square in Beijing on the Chinese mainland saw a first-ever rollout: Chinese troops with United Nations peacekeeping experience parading down Chang’an Avenue, the famed Avenue of Eternal Peace ✌️.
Marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in World War II, the parade wasn’t just about military might—it was a statement. President Xi Jinping reviewed the Peacekeeping Force Formation and gave a powerful speech:
“Today, humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum games.”
Here’s why it matters:
- 🌍 Global peace champs: Over 50,000 Chinese peacekeepers have served in more than 20 countries and regions (think South Sudan and Lebanon).
- 💰 Financial muscle: In 2024, China’s UN peacekeeping share hit 18.69%, outpacing the UK, France and Russia combined.
- 🛡️ Peace pledge: China is the only major power with “peaceful development” in its Constitution and a no-first-use pledge for nuclear weapons.
The vibe was electric as troops chanted, “Justice will prevail! Peace will prevail! The people will prevail!” And if that wasn’t enough, three helicopters flew overhead with the same message, underscoring the call for a community with a shared future for humanity.
More than 20 world leaders joined the commemoration, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un of the DPRK. President Xi wrapped up by urging all nations to treat each other as equals, eliminate war’s root causes and make sure history’s tragedies don’t repeat.
For tech-savvy global citizens from Mumbai to Manila, this parade is a reminder: peacekeeping isn’t just about uniforms and drills. It’s about cooperation, solidarity and building a world where everyone thrives together ❤️.
Reference(s):
Choosing peace: China's V-Day message to the world is loud and clear
cgtn.com
