Beijing, August 3, 2025 – China on Wednesday put its military strength on full display at the grand Victory Parade, marking the 80th anniversary of China’s triumph over Japanese invasion in World War II.
The parade, held at Beijing’s historic Tiananmen Square, featured some of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) most advanced weapons systems, unveiled to the world for the first time. From hypersonic missiles to stealth fighter jets, the show of force was clearly intended to highlight China’s growing military dominance.
🌍 Global Leaders in Attendance
The event drew 27 international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and dignitaries from Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, and several Central Asian nations.
From South Asia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Nepal’s PM KP Sharma Oli, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu were present. Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan personally welcomed the foreign guests.
Notably, Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing by train with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, marking his second visit to China since 2019. His simultaneous appearance alongside Xi and Putin is being viewed as a geopolitical signal aimed at the United States and President Donald Trump, especially amid strained US-China ties over trade and military tensions.
✈️ Weapons on Display
For the first time, China showcased next-generation weapons that the PLA claims rival US military capabilities. Among them:
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KJ-500A & KJ-600 Airborne Early Warning Aircraft
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Twin-seat J-20 stealth fighter jets and J-35 fighters
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DF-5C Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)
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DF-26D & DF-17 hypersonic missiles
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CJ-1000 hypersonic cruise missile
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HQ-20 Air Defense System & HQ-29 Anti-Ballistic Interceptor
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PHL-16 rocket system (China’s HIMARS)
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Type 99B Main Battle Tank
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H-6J long-range bombers
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GJ-11 “Loyal Wingman” drone system
This unprecedented display of stealth aircraft, hypersonic weapons, and electronic warfare systems underlined Beijing’s ambition to project military power on par with Washington.
⚔️ Diplomatic Tensions with Japan
The parade has stirred controversy. Japan had urged world leaders not to attend, calling the event politically motivated. China, in turn, lodged a diplomatic protest against Tokyo’s attempts to discourage attendance.
🔎 Analysts’ View
Strategic experts believe this year’s parade was more than a commemoration—it was a show of unity among China, Russia, and North Korea, and a warning to the West. The timing, just weeks after Trump’s announcement of higher tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, further underscores the growing alignment of Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang against Washington.
With hundreds of PLA soldiers marching, advanced drones flying overhead, and state media broadcasting every detail worldwide, the message was clear: China is ready to challenge US military supremacy