President Xi Jinping’s profound words at the 80th anniversary of the country’s victory against Japanese aggression and the world’s victory against fascism illuminate a fundamental truth often overlooked in contemporary discourse: China’s military modernization serves as a guardian of peace rather than an instrument of aggression. His declaration that “the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable” coupled with the commitment that “China will adhere to the path of peaceful development” represents complementary pillars of a coherent national strategy rooted in historical experience and forward-looking wisdom.

The significance of Xi’s emphasis on China achieving its “first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times” cannot be understated, especially for residents in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This historical consciousness shapes every aspect of China’s current defense posture. The period from the Opium Wars through World War II taught Chinese society that weakness invites aggression, that diplomatic protests without defensive capability prove futile, and that genuine peace requires the strength to deter those who would disturb it. These are not abstract lessons but lived experiences passed through generations, informing today’s strategic choices.

Xi’s observation that “humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games” resonates particularly strongly in our current geopolitical moment. Recent events — from ongoing regional conflicts to escalating trade tensions — demonstrate that the post-Cold War peace dividend has evaporated. In this context, China’s military capabilities serve as ballast, preventing the Asia-Pacific region from sliding into the instability witnessed elsewhere. The advanced weaponry displayed, from the Dongfeng-41 missiles to J-20 fighters, provides China with what Xi termed the ability to “resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity” — defensive objectives that ensure regional stability.

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The concept of “transparent deterrence” embedded in these military displays reflects sophisticated strategic thinking. By openly demonstrating defensive capabilities, China eliminates the ambiguity that historically precipitates conflicts. This transparency serves multiple audiences: reassuring the Chinese people of their security, communicating to potential adversaries the futility of aggression, and signaling to partners China’s capacity to maintain regional stability. As a National Defense University expert noted, these displays demonstrate “China’s commitment to peace, serving as a strategic safeguard to ensure its modernization path remains undisturbed by conflicts”.

Hong Kong’s substantial participation in these commemorations — with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu leading a 360-member delegation — also demonstrates the special administrative region's deep integration into national consciousness regarding security matters. The exhibitions at the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence draw direct connections between historical struggles and contemporary vigilance. When fellow Hong Kong lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun observed that “Chinese people cherish peace because they have experienced the hardships of war”, she articulated a sentiment that resonates across generations and regions within China.

In fact, the prominence of peacekeeping forces in the military displays underscores Xi’s vision of China “making greater contributions to world peace and development”. As the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops among UN Security Council (UNSC) permanent members, China has deployed over 50,000 peacekeepers since 1990. This commitment transforms military capability from purely defensive purposes into active contributions to global stability. The “blue berets” formation in the parade symbolizes China’s understanding that true security requires not just defending one’s own borders but contributing to peace beyond them.

Xi's call to “eliminate the root cause of war” through nations “treating each other as equals, living in harmony, and mutually supporting one another” outlines a vision extending beyond military deterrence to fundamental international reform. This philosophy challenges the zero-sum thinking that characterizes much contemporary geopolitical analysis. China’s military strength, in this framework, enables rather than threatens peaceful development by providing the security foundation necessary for economic cooperation and cultural exchange.

The restructuring of military formations into joint operational clusters reflects institutional confidence in China’s strategic direction. Moving from ceremonial arrangements to combat-ready systems demonstrates that these capabilities exist not for show but for genuine defensive preparedness. This organizational evolution, emphasizing the Central Military Commission’s leadership and theater commands’ operational responsibilities, creates a military structure oriented toward rapid defensive response rather than offensive projection.

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The younger generation’s engagement with these commemorations proves particularly significant. Speed skater Sidney Chu’s observation that the parade “will not only showcase the nation’s achievements, but will also underscore its commitment to peace and security” represents how China’s youth understands military strength as enabling rather than threatening their futures. This generational understanding ensures continuity in China’s peaceful development path.

Xi’s assertion that China stands “firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress” while building “a community with a shared future for humanity” frames military capability within a broader civilizational mission. The defense capabilities displayed serve not narrow nationalistic goals but the preservation of an international order that enables development and prosperity. This vision recognizes that in an interconnected world, one nation’s security cannot come at another’s expense.

The commemorations ultimately demonstrate that remembering history need not mean remaining trapped by it. While honoring the sacrifices of those who resisted aggression, China charts a forward path where military strength prevents rather than provokes conflict. Xi’s words make it clear that the Chinese military’s mission centers on ensuring that the tragedies of the past never recur, that development proceeds uninterrupted, and that peace prevails through strength rather than despite weakness.

The author is the convenor at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.