Overview

• Xi Jinping is expected to use the parade to underscore China’s role as a defender of the post‑war order, according to reporting on the event’s objectives.
• A recent NATO communique states that China’s ambitions and coercive policies challenge allied interests and seek to reshape the rules‑based order.
• The blockbuster Dead to Rights has drawn more than 76 million viewers and about 2.7 billion yuan since July 25, reinforcing anti‑Japanese sentiment ahead of the ceremonies.
• Chinese travel to Japan surged to more than 970,000 visitors in July, up 25% year on year, making China Japan’s largest source of tourists by official data.
• Attendance by foreign leaders remains fluid, with commentary suggesting Vladimir Putin is likely to appear while many Western leaders may not.