I don't know if Zafirov realized what type of event he was participating in. This is how diplomat Elena Poptodorova commented on the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Bulgarian Socialist Party Atanas Zafirov to the military parade in China.
According to her, Xi Jinping wanted to show military power to the US, to give a new reading of the history of World War II - this is a request for a new role for China.
Journalist Valery Todorov emphasized: “The militarization of political language and political messages is a fact that we must fight. As for what the Chinese leader said, he said: “The revival of the Chinese nation is unstoppable.” That is, this is a request for a stronger, leading role for China. The trio of Xi, Putin and Kim shows a new request.”
”Xi is reviving the communist circle of countries, if we look at the list of countries that were present. Even the trio in front shows this. This parade with 10,000 soldiers, with all this military equipment - this is a warning sign. China cannot be intimidated by hooligans”, Poptodorova added to bTV.
”I am surprised when the descendants of the communist regime are the most active in denying China's role. The question, however, is in what capacity and for what purpose is the vice president present there. The visit is legitimized as a party visit, the question is who and when was invited. They were on paid leave at the time, they are not engaging the government”, Todorov explained for his part.
According to Elena Poptodorova, China's goals are clear, but Bulgaria cannot play into these goals: “Can anyone claim that Xi planned a party event? He would have invited them in a different way. I heard an explanation that economic issues were very important – how can investments be discussed with a three-second handshake? It is very unfortunate that the BSP fails to play the statesmanlike role assigned to it by circumstances.”