Xi's Military Display: A Cause for Putin's Concern?

China showcased its growing military power in a grand parade. Major General Mick Ryan believes that "the truly interesting question is what Putin thought as he watched the parade," reports Finnish Iltalehti. "Putin must be worried," writes Ryan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sat in a place of honor with China's President Xi Jinping during this week's military parade in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

During the massive parade, China displayed a range of new superweapons, including underwater drones, stealth aircraft, and intercontinental long-range missiles.

"In general, all land, air, and sea equipment was more modern than what has been in the stockpiles of Western military organizations," writes Australian Major General Mick Ryan, active in security policy issues at the research institute CSIS, on X.

"They Must Be Worried"

According to Ryan, Xi demonstrated his military power as a message not only to the Western world but also to a certain invited guest.

"The truly interesting question is what Putin thought as he watched the parade, and what did his generals think? They must be worried. They have fought against China over the past century and have moved large parts of their forces in eastern USA to fight in Ukraine," writes Ryan.

During the border conflict at the Ussuri River in 1969, clashes broke out between Soviet and Chinese forces. Since then, the relationship between the countries has gradually improved.

"Testifies to a High Level"

China and Russia are allies with a jointly declared "unlimited partnership," but "China's commitment to Russia is considered uncertain," according to Iltalehti. And there is reason for Putin to be concerned, according to Ryan:

"Gone are the days when China was dependent on Russia's or other foreign powers' systems. This level of independent production capability testifies to a high level of resilience for China in future conflicts."