Xi Jinping’s recent military posture, flanked by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, is a clear demonstration of China’s strategic intent to challenge the prevailing international order. His “peace or war” narrative signals an effort to position China as a primary actor in global decision-making processes. The alignment with other leaders characterized by their adversarial stance toward the West—most notably NATO—is a testament to the emergence of a consolidated bloc opposed to Western influence.

Xi’s explicit references to “bullies” and assertions regarding China’s “unstoppable” trajectory are unmistakable signals directed at the United States and its allies. The invocation of the “right side of history” is an attempt to establish ideological legitimacy, positioning China and its partners as drivers of an inevitable historical transition, reinforced by both military capability and economic clout on display during the event.

Strategically, China is leveraging current global instability to advance a multipolar framework. By prioritizing China-centric institutions over established Western organizations and openly circumventing sanctions, Beijing seeks to present itself as a stable and reliable alternative for international collaboration. This calculated integration of diplomatic and military strategies highlights an intentional and assertive shift in global power dynamics, directly challenging the longstanding dominance of Western nations.