China marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with its largest ever military parade on September 3, 2025, in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the event showcased an unprecedented display of China’s military modernization and strategic capabilities, featuring new advanced weapon systems, thousands of troops, and aerial flyovers. Distinguished global leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un attended, underscoring the event’s geopolitical significance amid current international tensions.
Key Highlights of the Parade
The parade commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II, linking China’s historical narrative with contemporary military power projection.
More than 45 formations with troops, armored vehicles, ballistic missiles, drones, and fighter jets participated, many for the first time publicly displayed.
Xi Jinping delivered a powerful speech emphasizing China’s commitment to peaceful development while warning the world faces a choice between peace and war.
International dignitaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were prominently present, symbolizing China’s diplomatic alliances.
The parade exhibited China’s strategic weapons including the DF-5 intercontinental ballistic missile capable of nuclear payload delivery, advanced stealth aircraft, and laser weaponry.
The event was highly controlled with restricted public presence along the parade route; barriers kept onlookers at a distance and commercial buildings were shuttered during the procession.
Military Modernization on Full Display
China’s Victory Day parade was staged along Chang’an Avenue and lasted about 70 minutes, culminating a week of diplomatic activity by President Xi. The military showcase underscored Beijing’s progress in transforming its armed forces with cutting-edge technology and improving combat readiness. Key military hardware revealed to the public for the first time included:
Strategic Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) such as the DF-5C, marking China’s nuclear deterrence capability.
Advanced fighter jets and stealth aircraft demonstrating air superiority ambitions.
Multiple formations of drones and laser weapons, highlighting new domains in warfare.
Modern tanks and armored vehicles designed for enhanced battlefield mobility and firepower.
Helicopter flyovers with banners promoting themes of justice, peace, and national strength.
Xi Jinping’s Address and Symbolism
Standing at the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Xi inspected the assembled troops and delivered a speech addressing about 10,000 members of the People’s Liberation Army across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He framed the parade as not just a commemoration of historical victory but a message to the world that China will not be intimidated by foreign powers. Xi stressed the delicate global balance between “peace or war, dialogue versus confrontation,” urging collaboration for a shared future.
The event also served to rally domestic national pride amid China’s growing global ambitions and simmering tensions with the United States and neighboring Asian countries. Political analysts noted the parade reinforced China’s image as a resilient global power under Xi’s leadership, projecting strength in the face of international pressure.
International Attendance and Diplomatic Signals
The parade drew around two dozen foreign leaders, largely from countries aligned or friendly to China’s geopolitical stance. Besides Putin and Kim Jong Un, Iran’s president and leaders from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South Asia were present. Western leaders, including those from the U.S., Japan, India, and South Korea, were notably absent, reflecting ongoing geopolitical divides.
The presence of Putin and Kim, both facing Western isolation for their own controversies, underscored China's defiance of U.S.-led alliances. Observers described this as a strong demonstration of China’s diplomatic clout and a message of solidarity among nations outside the Western bloc.
Public and Media Coverage
Though the parade was tightly controlled with public road closures and limited street access, millions tuned in on television and online globally. The military spectacle received extensive media coverage highlighting China’s technological advancements and the symbolic unity of its military and political leadership on this significant anniversary.
The parade marks the third major military parade overseen by Xi as president, and the first since 2019. It not only honors the historic conclusion of World War II but also heralds a new era for the Chinese military’s modernization and assertive stance on the world stage.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, NBC News, South China Morning Post, NDTV, Economic Times, The New York Times
