China's Victory Day Parade: Staging Control and Global Messaging

Military Parade Preparations

• 🇨🇳 On Wednesday, China's Communist Party will hold a military parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific.
• 🔒 The general public is not allowed to attend the event, with over six square miles under lockdown.
• ✈️ Extensive preparations have been underway since early August, including fighter jet rehearsals and tank transport.

Government Control and Messaging

• 📺 Party authorities aim to project an image of firm control to the public through state TV broadcasts.
• ⚠️ There is a concern about potential public discontent and the desire to prevent anything from going wrong at all costs.
• 🎭 The parade is described as a stage-managed performance of total control, intended to convey a false impression of reality.

International Dignitaries and Public Perception

• 🤝 Dignitaries such as Russia's Vladimir Putin are invited to attend the event.
• 🌍 Beijing's messaging to the world is that it is a global power.
• 🚧 Barriers have been set up, with the closest the public can get being at least a street away, to manage perceptions.