Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping this week delivered a carefully choreographed demonstration of political dominance and global ambition, erasing any lingering doubts about his authority and health while projecting China as a confident alternative to the West. From a dramatic World War II anniversary parade in Beijing to high-profile summits with global leaders, Xi reaffirmed that he remains firmly in command of China’s political destiny.
The most striking moment came during the 80th anniversary parade marking the end of World War II. Unlike in 2015, when former leaders shared the stage, this time Xi stood alone, flanked only by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. The message was unambiguous: Xi is the sole helmsman of China, and his country’s alliances with Moscow and Pyongyang remain central to Beijing’s strategy of counterbalancing the West. By removing any domestic rivals from the spotlight, Xi underscored that power rests squarely in his hands.
Beyond the parade, Xi leveraged international platforms to highlight China’s growing diplomatic clout. Hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and regional leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, he positioned Beijing as a central broker in Eurasian affairs. A subsequent visit to Tibet, a politically sensitive region, further emphasized his stamina, authority, and determination to showcase unity under Chinese rule.
Symbolism played a crucial role in Xi’s messaging. His decision to wear a Mao-style grey suit was more than aesthetic; it projected continuity with China’s revolutionary past and conveyed resilience, discipline, and permanence. In contrast, Premier Li Qiang maintained a subdued profile, reinforcing the impression of Xi as the nation’s undisputed leader.
Even casual moments reinforced his image. A hot mic incident, widely broadcast by Chinese state media, captured Xi and Putin discussing biotechnology, organ transplants, and the possibility of extending human life to 150 years. Instead of being dismissed as idle chatter, the exchange was framed as a glimpse into China’s vision of technological leadership, merging political theater with futuristic ambition.
Xi’s maneuvers also carried a broader strategic signal. With the U.S. under President Donald Trump deepening trade wars and alienating allies, China is attempting to present itself as a stable partner especially to nations in the Global South navigating Western economic pressure. For Beijing, this moment is about more than symbolism; it is a chance to position China as the anchor of an alternative world order.
In orchestrating this week’s events, Xi Jinping not only reaffirmed his grip on power but also showcased China’s readiness to shape global geopolitics in its own image. The diplomatic spectacle was not merely about projecting strength it was about declaring that, in Xi’s China, leadership is centralised, calculated, and unyielding.