Interpreting the larger message from the V-Day parade
- By Niranjan Sahoo
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 8, 2015
Solidarity from BRICS
While most Western nations chose to stay away from this important ceremony, the event was marked by the continued solidarity among BRICS nations, recalling the strong participation from BRICS countries when Russia commemorated its 70th anniversary against Nazi Germany in May.
Then, President Xi stood with his counterpart from India and South Africa, Pranab Mukherjee and Jacob Zuma. In a remarkable show to symbolic support to Russia that was facing increasing isolation from the West, China and India sent military units to take part in the victory parade in Red Square.
In fact, the 7th BRICS Summit at Ufa in early July specially referred to the 70th anniversary of the defeat of "fascism" and "militarism" during the World War II. Thus, the mutual bonding and bonhomie among this new club continue unabated.
However, the best thing of all in Beijing was the larger message of President Xi. Dispelling the mythmaking and unnecessary cynicism created by certain quarters in the Western press about Chinese intentions in organizing a grand event, he drew global attention to China's commitment of maintaining regional peace and stability.
In characteristic no-nonsense style, Xi declared, "War is the sword of Damocles that still hangs over mankind. We must learn the lessons of history and dedicate ourselves to peace." Therefore, he urged the global community to "...jointly uphold the international order and system underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, build a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and advance the noble cause of global peace and development."
He further reminded sceptics that "We Chinese love peace. No matter how much stronger we may become, China will never seek hegemony or expansion. It will never inflict its past suffering on any other nation." He demonstrated Chinese commitment by announcing a cut of 300,000 in troop levels by 2017, something not many major military powers can uphold.
It was a supreme masterstroke to silence any sceptics outside the country.
Niranjan Sahoo is Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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