Military Parade in Beijing
China is showing off its military strength in a parade through the streets of Beijing. Tanks, aircraft, troops, and other military assets will be on display for the public, and China President Xi Jinping will deliver remarks to those gathered, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Chinese military parades are something of a commonplace, but this week’s festivities mark the first major parade since 2019. It comes two-and-a-half months after the U.S. held a similar parade in Washington, DC, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
Analysis and eternal perspective: There is a stark dividing line between how major geopolitical actors perceive this week’s military parade in China. On the one hand, the U.S., Europe, and most of the more democratic world is responding warily and with at least a modicum of caution about the Communist Party’s display of strength. On the other hand, more dictatorial leaders like Putin, Kim, and Pezeshkian are eager to use the occasion as an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with China.
As Jesus followers, while we should be quick to acknowledge that no man or government of men is infallible, this is also a very clear example of being able to distinguish between good fruit and bad fruit (Matt. 7:15-20). China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran have vastly different levels of power and influence in the world, but the governing philosophies all flow from a similar authoritarian vein. The result is limited freedom for those living under their rule, and a threat to those who are within reach of their power.
Proverbs has no shortage of counsel on this matter:
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Pr. 11:14).
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Pr. 15:22).
“Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers” (Pr. 24:6).
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Pr. 13:20).
This week, pray that world leaders would abandon a course of gathering authority unto themselves and instead embrace a humility that seeks broad counsel.
In a similar way, let’s you and I commit to carefully considering the trusted counsel of godly friends as we endeavor to follow Jesus through life’s tricky decisions.
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.