China's Spectacular Military Parade Showcases Advanced Weaponry and Strategic Alliances

On September 3, 2025, China held a grand military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event showcased the nation's latest military advancements and underscored its strategic alliances with Russia and North Korea.

The parade featured an array of advanced weaponry, including the debut of the Dongfeng-61 (DF-61) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a solid-fueled missile with a range exceeding 12,000 kilometers. Additionally, the DF-5C ICBM was unveiled, a liquid-fueled missile capable of carrying multiple warheads and reaching distances over 20,000 kilometers. These displays marked the first public presentation of China's complete nuclear triad, encompassing land-based, sea-launched, and air-delivered nuclear capabilities.

Hypersonic missile technology was also prominently featured. The YJ-17, a hypersonic anti-ship missile equipped with a glide vehicle warhead, and the YJ-19, a hypersonic cruise missile powered by a scramjet engine, were both showcased. These missiles are designed to maneuver at high speeds, complicating interception efforts by adversaries.

Unmanned systems were another highlight of the parade. China presented various aerial and underwater drones, including the large underwater AJX002 and uncrewed helicopters, reflecting a shift toward autonomous warfare technologies. Directed-energy weapons, such as air defense lasers and high-power microwaves, were also displayed, indicating advancements in non-kinetic defense systems.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the assembled dignitaries and military personnel, emphasizing the nation's commitment to peaceful development. He stated, "Through immense national sacrifice, the Chinese people made a major contribution to saving human civilization and safeguarding world peace." Xi also highlighted the People's Liberation Army as a "heroic force that the party and the people can fully trust," underscoring its role in safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the parade underscored China's strengthening strategic partnerships. The three leaders stood together on the Tiananmen Rostrum, symbolizing unity and shared interests amid current geopolitical tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction over the omission of the United States' role in Japan's defeat during the ceremony. While praising the event as "beautiful" and "impressive," Trump emphasized that the U.S. had played a crucial role in assisting China and defeating Japan and should have been acknowledged in President Xi Jinping’s speech.

This parade follows a similar event held in 2015, which marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 2015 parade was notable for being the first high-profile military parade held to celebrate an occasion other than the National Day of the People's Republic of China.

The 2025 Parade Serves Multiple Purposes:

• Domestic Messaging: By showcasing advanced military capabilities, the Chinese government aims to bolster national pride and reinforce the narrative of China's resurgence as a global power.

• International Signaling: The presence of leaders like Putin and Kim Jong Un, along with the display of advanced weaponry, sends a message of strategic partnerships and deterrence, particularly to Western nations.

• Technological Demonstration: The unveiling of new military technologies highlights China's progress in defense innovation and its commitment to modernizing its armed forces.

As China continues to expand its military capabilities and forge strategic alliances, the international community will closely monitor the implications for global security dynamics.