This week, Beijing is set to host two significant events, beginning with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31st to September 1st. The focus will then shift to the Victory Day military parade on September 3rd, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II.
China has extended invitations to over 26 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and leaders from Belarus, Iran, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Serbia, and Slovakia. Southeast Asian representation will include the King of Cambodia, the President of Laos, and the President of Vietnam, alongside the Speaker of the South Korean Parliament.
The parade aims to display China’s advanced military strength with a display of over 100 fighter jets, missiles, and tanks. China perceives the parade as an assertion of solidarity, especially given the current geopolitical climate and concerns from Western nations about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and China’s policies in the Asia-Pacific region.
India, along with other nations like Turkey and Egypt, will limit its participation to the SCO summit, departing before the parade. This decision reflects India’s broader strategy to avoid aligning with any specific military bloc, similar to Western countries and their allies. The strengthening India-Japan relationship has also influenced this decision. Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Tokyo solidified a shared vision for the next decade. Participation in the Victory Day parade could have strained these developing ties.
India’s primary focus is maintaining relations with China while contributing to the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific through platforms like the Quad. Participating in the military parade could have sent a negative political signal. Given the event’s association with the victory over Japan, attendance would have contradicted India’s commitment to its close partnership with Japan. India will participate in the SCO summit to facilitate regional cooperation but will distance itself from the parade to maintain its independent foreign policy. While China looks to showcase its alliances, India will continue its strategic balancing act by limiting its participation to the SCO platform.