In September 2025, the China Military Parade 2025 in Beijing once again captured global attention. More than a colorful spectacle, it was a strategic message: China is positioning itself as a central power in global politics. Representatives from several countries, including Pakistan, Russia, and North Korea, attended the event, which clearly showed that China is no longer just a regional power in Asia, but a potential leader of a New World Order.
But what does this parade truly signify? Is China genuinely becoming an alternative to the United States, or does it still have a long way to go?
From Ancient Empire to Modern State
China’s history spans thousands of years. From the Qin Dynasty to the Han, Tang, Song, and Ming, each empire was once the center of Asia. This ancient heritage has shaped modern China.
Under the leadership of Mao Zedong (1949), the Communist Revolution transformed the country. However, during the Mao era, China was economically weak and politically isolated. Change came with Deng Xiaoping, who introduced the “Reform and Opening-up” policy in 1978. This gave birth to the economic giant that China is today.
Current President Xi Jinping speaks of the “China Dream,” or national rejuvenation. Under his leadership, China is no longer just fighting for survival; it’s moving towards reshaping the world order.
Military Modernization: Victory Parade 2025
This year’s parade wasn’t just about soldiers marching; it was about showcasing China’s modern arsenal to the world. A few notable weapons included:
- DF-41 ICBM: China’s most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads.
- DF-17 Hypersonic Missile: An extremely fast missile that can evade radar systems and hit its targets.
- J-20 Stealth Fighter Jet: A fifth-generation fighter aircraft and a rival to the American F-35.
- H-20 Stealth Bomber: A long-range bomber plane with the ability to travel as far as the mainland of the United States.
- Type-99A Tank: China’s most powerful battle tank, with improved firepower.
- Unmanned Combat Drones: The epitomes of future battlefield supremacy.
This display was not merely a show of strength but a message: China is ready for modern warfare.
America vs. China: The Story of the Tariff War
When did the U.S. begin to see China as a competitor? It was primarily after China joined the WTO in 2001 that the U.S. realized a new economic rival was emerging. China’s rapid growth and technological progress in the 2010s only heightened these fears.
Trump vs. China: The Trade War
- 2018: The Donald Trump administration struck first. The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods.
- China’s Retaliation: At the same time, China retaliated with equal tariffs on U.S. agricultural products and cars.
- Subsequent Stages: Gradually, American tariffs on Chinese goods expanded to cover up to $370 billion.
- China’s Retaliation: By imposing tariffs on soybeans, automobiles, and chemicals, China put pressure on American farmers.
Current Situation (2025)
- U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods average around 19.3%.
- China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods are approximately 21.1%.
- Even though the Biden administration has lowered some tariffs, sensitive sectors—like semiconductors, green tech, and defense supply chains—are still under pressure.
This conflict is far more than just a tariff war. It’s a form of economic cold war, where technology, markets, and diplomacy are all being used as tools.
Economic Strategy: The Struggle for Survival
China is not dependent on the American market. It is surviving through three key strategies:
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Compressed infrastructure investment spanning Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- Diversified Supply Chain: Now spreading to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Digital Economy: Huawei, Alibaba, and TikTok are also expanding China’s soft power across the world.
Even with a slower economic growth, China is still the world’s second-largest economy, and many analysts believe it could surpass the U.S. within the next two decades.
Conflicts with Neighbors
China faces no shortage of challenges on its borders:
- India: The Ladakh border conflict remains unresolved.
- Taiwan: While China is committed to the One China Policy, U.S. assistance to Taiwan makes it a potential battlefield.
- South China Sea: There are ongoing tensions with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and the U.S.
- Japan: There is a long-standing dispute over islands in the East China Sea.
Education and Technology: Investing in the Future
China’s education system is now focused on STEM. Thousands of researchers are working in the fields of AI, quantum computing, and 5G technology. Their goal is technological self-reliance. At the same time, through Confucius Institutes and cultural investments, China is spreading its soft power.
So, a New World Order?
The China Military Parade 2025 essentially sent a message—China is no longer just a regional power. Its military strength, economic strategy, and investment in education and technology all indicate that it wants to become a major player in a multipolar world.
But there is a question: Can China completely replace the United States? It still faces problems like an aging population, domestic unemployment, and a continued dependence on foreign markets.
Nevertheless, one thing is certain: China is at a turning point in history. It has made it clear to the world that the future of the global order will no longer be U.S.-centric, but China will be at the table.
