China's 80th Victory Day Parade: A Display of Military Might and Diplomatic Ties

On September 3, 2025, China held a grand military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan in World War II. President Xi Jinping presided over the event, delivering a speech and reviewing the troops. The parade showcased China's latest military advancements, including hypersonic missiles, unmanned platforms, and new-generation armaments. Notably, the event was attended by international leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, highlighting China's diplomatic ties.

The parade featured over 12,000 troops from the People's Liberation Army (PLA), with President Xi inspecting the formations. Premier Li Qiang served as the master of ceremonies, and Lieutenant-General Han Shengyan acted as the chief commander of the parade. The event showcased advanced military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and new-generation tanks. Notable equipment included the DF-5C liquid-fueled ICBM, YJ-21 hypersonic missile, and the FH-97 stealth combat drone.

The attendance of international leaders underscored China's diplomatic relationships. Russian President Vladimir Putin's presence reflected the strengthening ties between China and Russia. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's attendance marked a significant diplomatic engagement between China and North Korea. Other leaders from countries such as Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan were also present.

In his address, President Xi emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during World War II and called for the eradication of the roots of war to prevent history from repeating itself. He stated, "Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games."

The parade served to bolster national pride and unity, showcasing China's military strength and technological advancements. The attendance of leaders like Putin and Kim Jong Un highlighted China's strategic alliances and its role in shaping a multipolar world order. The display of advanced weaponry signaled China's commitment to modernizing its military and its aspirations for regional and global influence.

This parade marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a conflict in which China suffered significant losses due to Japanese aggression. The event was a reminder of China's resilience and its journey from wartime devastation to becoming a global power.

The 2025 Victory Day Parade not only commemorated a pivotal moment in history but also projected China's growing military capabilities and its strategic positioning on the global stage.