Historic Military Parade in Beijing Signals Shift in Global Alliances

On September 3, 2025, Beijing's Tiananmen Square was the stage for China's largest military parade to date, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. The event was marked by the unprecedented joint appearance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signaling a significant shift in global geopolitical alignments.

The parade showcased China's latest military advancements, including hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, and laser weapons. Notably, the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of reaching the United States, was displayed. The event also featured the debut of the DF-61 ICBM, a road-mobile missile with an estimated range of over 7,500 miles, and the YJ-19 hypersonic cruise missile, capable of sustained hypersonic flight and mid-course maneuvering. Additionally, the LY-1 laser weapon and the AJX002 unmanned underwater vehicle were presented, highlighting China's advancements in directed-energy weapons and autonomous underwater technologies.

In his speech, Xi Jinping emphasized the choice between peace and war, highlighting China's commitment to peaceful development. The presence of Putin and Kim underscored strengthening alliances among China, Russia, and North Korea, signaling a shift in regional dynamics. This alignment is perceived as a direct challenge to the U.S.-led international order.

The parade served as a platform for China to project its military strength and diplomatic influence amid growing tensions with the U.S. and Western powers. Xi Jinping's speech emphasized the choice between peace and war, highlighting China's commitment to peaceful development while showcasing its readiness to defend its interests.

This event marked the fourth large-scale military parade since Xi Jinping became General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in 2012. It was the 19th major military parade since the founding of the People's Republic of China and the second to commemorate the victory over Japan through a military parade, following the 2015 parade.

The parade's display of advanced weaponry and the presence of key international leaders suggest a concerted effort to challenge the existing U.S.-led international order, raising questions about future global power dynamics.