The Washington Times quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow Robert A. Manning on why no-shows are likely for China’s World War II parade amid rising tensions with the West and its neighbors:
“I think a lot of these Chinese ceremonies these days are really intended to highlight the fact that they want to be seen and respected as a great power, and that’s a great portion of what this is about,” said Robert A. Manning, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council.
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The United States has given no word on whether any officials will attend the parade or even whether they are invited. But with the highly anticipated visit of Mr. Xi to Washington in September, an Obama no-show could spur criticism in Beijing, Mr. Manning said.