Some commentators have criticized the weapons' display because they are not merely defensive, and can be used for aggression. To me this is sour grapes. As a rising power, China is entitled to defend itself and create a deterrent force befitting its rise.

The distortion of the history of World War II in the West is something intellectually shameful and not merely a historical matter. The view of World War II typically presented in the Western media is that the World War against fascism was won by American marines.

From a military point of view, the parade indeed highlighted the changing balance of military power in Asia and globally. That process is natural, unavoidable and unstoppable. China is now the second largest economy and the largest trading nation on the planet.

Xi announced that China's military will cut its number by 300,000 by the end of 2017. China is a peaceful country and will remain so thanks to its long history and unique capability to adapt to and integrate foreign influences in its culture.

On the rare occasion where China takes a moment to reflect on its past, on the injuries the country suffered during the war, perhaps it is an opportunity for us as well, to reflect on the meaning and the continuing need for peace.

China sees it as an occasion to demonstrate the Chinese people's determination to defend peace. It is to show that the Chinese government has a legal obligation to ensure the Chinese people that China will never again become a victim of imperialism.