Chinese state media overwhelmingly prioritized the 80th anniversary commemorations of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, marked by a massive V-Day parade in Beijing. President Xi Jinping presided over the event, addressing the gathering and reviewing troops, emphasizing "unstoppable national rejuvenation," the commitment to peaceful development, and building a world-class army. This followed earlier SCO summit narratives of China's role in global governance and regional partnerships. The parade prominently featured high-level international participation, including Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which external reports framed as a geopolitical alignment and drew criticism regarding a perceived "anti-US conspiracy." Concurrently, non-state media noted internal political observations surrounding the event and highlighted new challenges for Chinese citizens seeking international mobility, such as tightened US student visas and issues with Hong Kong talent schemes.