Strength offers deep sense of security

As a journalist, I was fortunate to witness China's second-ever Victory Day military parade at the center of its capital, Beijing, on Wednesday, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

What struck me was that 10 years ago, I was also at Tian'anmen Square, but as a college student volunteer facilitating medical services during the country's first V-Day parade.

Back then, as I remembered, my peers and I arrived at Tian'anmen Square in the early morning after walking along the high red walls of the Forbidden City. I can recall passing through strict security check points and waiting for daybreak amid repeated sound checks echoing "eyes right" from the marching soldiers of the People's Liberation Army.

This time around when I again heard the powerful calls of "eyes right", it evoked a sense of nostalgia — from cheers of the crowds to the sounds of rumbling tanks and armored vehicles.

But the biggest cheer from the audience made me reflect a bit more.

That loud cheer came when the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missiles made their appearance. When the commentator said they had a strike range that covers the globe, nearly 50,000 spectators at the square erupted in excitement, myself included.

But I know very well that behind those cheers is a deep sense of security from being well-protected, not a feeling of superiority from realizing "we could bully others with overwhelming strength".

For me, it is clear that this mentality comes from the ancient Chinese philosophy of using military force to stop war, which has endured for thousands of years and is still one of the guiding principles of China's current national defense strategy.

So, despite the significant changes in international dynamics and increased tensions over the past decade, China has maintained the continuity and stability of its foreign policy and international relations.

Over these 10 years, the country's economic development and surrounding security landscape have changed a lot, but China remains a peace-loving nation, predictable and respectful of the international order.

Before covering this event, I revisited the photos and social media posts from 10 years ago. I realized that my younger self was just thrilled to be part of a major national event. However, now, I saw this commemoration of a great victory from 80 years ago with a different perspective.

Undoubtedly, this is an international event with far-reaching impact, witnessed by more than 20 world leaders.

Yet, when I browsed overseas social media and saw Western media headlines suggesting China was using the parade to create "a China-led international order", I only have this to say as a response: It's important not to overthink or misinterpret; at this moment, what truly matters is peace, respect, certainty and predictability.