The Implications of China's Military Display Amid Trump's Trade Policies

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:14:41 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As China showcases its military strength during a grand parade, questions arise about the global balance of power and the risks associated with Trump's trade strategies.

Recent events have highlighted the growing military might of China, particularly as it marked the 80th anniversary of World War Two with a grand parade. President Trump’s reflections on this display suggest a blend of admiration for pageantry and increasing concern about global dynamics. Trump's 'America First' strategy has shifted international relations, raising the stakes for future diplomacy as newfound alliances emerge.

The military might of the People's Republic of China was on full display in a parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two on Wednesday. Thousands of miles away, at the White House in Washington DC, Donald Trump was paying attention.

They were hoping I was watching, and I was watching, he stated, praising the spectacle as very, very impressive. However, behind the show of force lies a complex message about the shifting center of power in the world, one that poses a counterpoint to the American-led global order of the past century.

Trump's remarks during a meeting with the Polish President provided little clarity, capturing a sense of ambivalence about China’s military display amid a backdrop of rising international tensions.

Despite claiming he was not concerned about China's show of force, Trump expressed grievances over the lack of recognition from China regarding the U.S. contribution during World War Two, using his Truth Social platform to convey frustrations that hinted at growing geopolitical rifts.

The parade not only showcased high-tech weapons but wrapped these displays in a narrative asserting China’s emerging role in global leadership, challenging the status quo that underpins current diplomatic relations.

Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie, noted, It's the first step in a concerted effort to rewrite the rules of the road regarding global history, suggesting that disputes over historical narratives are at the heart of contemporary politics.

While Trump's 'America First' policy aims to strengthen U.S. industry, it's not without consequences. The tariff strategies have strained relationships with both China and India, the latter providing another indication of shifting alliances as leaders met at an economic summit in Tianjin this week. These developments illustrate how trade policies under Trump's administration could reshape global diplomatic ties.

As Trump navigates these complex international waters, his administration’s approach could potentially undermine the very alliances intended to uphold U.S. interests. With ongoing judicial challenges to his tariff strategies, the risks may outweigh the rewards, raising important questions about America's future role on the world stage.