Beijing tightens control ahead of Xi's big moment on world stage

Beijing is preparing for a major event that will put President Xi Jinping in the global spotlight. The city is decorated with enormous Chinese flags and elaborate floral displays, especially around Tiananmen Square, which is one of the largest public squares in the world. The parade is set to mark 80 years since Japan surrendered in World War II, but for President Xi, it is much more than a historical commemoration. It is a chance to showcase China's growing power and influence, both to its own people and to the world. The event will be attended by 26 foreign heads of state, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Their presence is seen as a diplomatic victory for Xi, especially since Kim Jong Un's attendance was only announced recently. The parade will feature precise military formations and new technology, such as hypersonic weapons and unmanned underwater drones. Leaders from countries like Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, and several Central Asian nations will be present, while only a few Western leaders, from Serbia and Slovakia, are on the guest list. President Xi has also managed to bring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China for the first time in seven years, which is important for economic and strategic relations. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, which just finished, was the largest ever, with more than 20 world leaders attending. The parade is not just about international politics; it is also a message to the Chinese people. The government wants to inspire pride and patriotism, especially as China faces economic challenges like slow growth, high youth unemployment, and falling house prices. State media has been promoting films and stories about China's fight against Japan, even though much of the resistance came from nationalists who later lost to Mao Zedong's Communist Party. Security in Beijing is extremely tight. The city has been sealed off, with guards stationed at bridges and overpasses to prevent protests. Drones are banned, and journalists have been visited at home to ensure they follow the rules. More than 200,000 flags have been put up, and new light displays brighten the business district. People living near the parade route have been told to stay off their balconies, and schools, businesses, and hotels along the route are closed for two days. Road diversions and subway closures have made it difficult to get around, and even shared bikes have been moved away from the area. The government is taking every precaution to avoid any disruptions. In the past, China has used its air force to manipulate the weather for important events, and forecasters are predicting clear skies for the parade. President Xi will stand alongside Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, which will likely draw attention from Western media and analysts. The parade is a demonstration of China's strength and Xi's leadership, but it also reflects the Communist Party's control over the city and its people. While some residents are frustrated by the strict measures, the government is determined to make sure the event goes smoothly. This parade is a significant moment for President Xi, as he seeks to project China's power and challenge the influence of the United States. The world will be watching as Beijing hosts this grand display of military might and national pride.