On September 3, 2025, a date that marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II, China showcased its rising military and geopolitical power with its largest-ever military parade. Held in Tiananmen Square and presided over by President Xi Jinping, the event was a choreographed spectacle designed to send a powerful message to both a domestic and a global audience. The parade, featuring over 10,000 troops, hundreds of advanced ground vehicles, and more than 100 aircraft, served not only as a commemoration of a historic victory but also as a declaration of China's ambition to reshape the global order.
The parade’s significance was amplified by the presence of a notable group of international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Their attendance alongside President Xi created a powerful visual of a united front against what they perceive as a Western-dominated world order. While leaders from Western countries like the United States and its allies were conspicuously absent, the parade's guest list, which included leaders from across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, underscored Beijing's growing influence in the Global South.
The Unveiling of China's Next-Generation Arsenal
Beyond the marching formations and diplomatic handshakes, the parade’s main event was the unveiling of a host of new, domestically produced, and highly advanced weaponry. Chinese military officials had promised a "concentrated display of the new generation of weaponry and equipment," and they delivered on that promise. The parade showcased a range of cutting-edge technology, from hypersonic missiles to unmanned underwater drones, all of which were a clear statement of China's commitment to modernizing its armed forces.
Hypersonic Missiles: A New Era of Warfare
Among the most closely watched systems were China's new hypersonic missiles. Major General Wu Zeke confirmed that the parade would feature “hypersonic, anti-missile defense and strategic missiles.” These weapons, which can travel at least five times the speed of sound and maneuver in mid-flight, are designed to evade existing missile defense systems. The parade featured the new YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 anti-ship missiles, which have been dubbed "carrier killers" by some analysts. The DF-17, a hypersonic weapon that can neutralize systems like the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), also made an appearance. The display of these missiles sent a direct message to the U.S. Navy and its allies that China is developing the capabilities to challenge American naval dominance in the Pacific.
Drones and Unmanned Systems: The Future is Here
The parade also highlighted China's growing prowess in unmanned systems. Rehearsals had already revealed two massive unmanned underwater vehicles, one of which, labelled AJX002, measured nearly 20 meters in length. These torpedo-shaped drones are believed to be capable of carrying sensors, mines, or other payloads, signaling China's ambition to become a leader in uncrewed naval warfare. In the air, a variety of new drones were also on display, showcasing China’s advancements in artificial intelligence and automation for military applications.
Strategic Weapons and a New Nuclear Deterrent
The parade was not just about conventional weaponry. Analysts had anticipated a display of China's intercontinental ballistic missiles, and they were not disappointed. The new DF-61, which is believed to be a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, was prominently featured. With a range exceeding 12,000 kilometers and the potential for multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), the DF-61 is evaluated as a new strategic weapon capable of striking the entire U.S. mainland. This public showcase of China's nuclear-capable missiles was a powerful symbol of its growing strategic deterrence capabilities and its quest to "equalize the military power balance between China and the U.S.," as one military commentator put it.
The Geopolitical Context: A Challenge to the U.S.-Led Order
The parade was a carefully orchestrated event with a clear geopolitical message. President Xi, flanked by Presidents Putin and Kim, used the occasion to project an image of a new global alignment. This gathering of leaders, all of whom have complex relationships with the United States, was a defiant show of unity at a time of increasing tension with the West.
The presence of Putin, who is engaged in a prolonged conflict in Ukraine, and Kim Jong Un, the reclusive leader of a nuclear-armed state, was a powerful visual. The three leaders, standing together on the Tiananmen Gate, signaled a common purpose and a shared vision of a multipolar world where American dominance is no longer a given. While Xi’s speech reiterated China’s commitment to “peaceful development,” his simultaneous display of military might was a clear warning that China will not be intimidated or bullied.
The parade also served as a moment for China to rewrite its own history of World War II. By highlighting the immense sacrifices made by the Chinese people in their "War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression," the Communist Party of China (CCP) aims to solidify its domestic legitimacy. The official narrative, amplified by the parade, positions the CCP as the heroic force that led China to victory, thereby justifying its continued rule and its push for national "rejuvenation."
A Message to Taiwan and the World
Beyond the global stage, the parade had a specific message for Taiwan. While not explicitly mentioned, the new military hardware on display, particularly the anti-ship missiles and stealth fighters, was a clear signal to Taipei and its allies. The parade served as a demonstration of China’s ability to conduct a potential amphibious assault and its capacity to deter any outside intervention. As one analyst noted, the parade was "sending a message to the Taiwanese that resistance is futile."
In conclusion, the military parade on September 3, 2025, was a landmark event that went far beyond a simple commemoration. It was a carefully crafted display of military might and diplomatic prowess that underscored China’s transformation into a major global power. By showcasing its new generation of weaponry and hosting a gathering of leaders from nations opposed to the U.S.-led order, China made a clear statement of intent: it is ready and willing to challenge the status quo and play a leading role in shaping the future of international relations
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