China Showcases Military Power During 80th Victory Day Parade in Beijing
BEIJING – China displayed its military strength on Wednesday during the country’s largest-ever parade, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and the end of the World Anti-Fascist War.
President Xi Jinping, joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, described the rise of the Chinese nation as “unstoppable” while emphasizing the choice between peace and war facing the world today.
The parade featured an impressive display of tanks, hypersonic missiles, drones, and advanced aerial refueling tankers, with thousands of troops marching in precise formations along Beijing’s Changan Avenue. A spectacular flypast included warplanes and helicopters, some forming an “80” to commemorate the milestone.
President Xi inspected the troops and military hardware from an open-topped limousine before joining dignitaries, including visiting world leaders, above Tiananmen Square. The event was broadcast widely, highlighting China’s modernized defense capabilities and coordinated military exercises.
Civilians gathered across Beijing to witness the parade, while balloons and flags added to the celebratory atmosphere. Various divisions of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) showcased cutting-edge technology, including DF-31BJ and DF-61 nuclear missiles, YJ-17 and YJ-19 hypersonic anti-ship missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
China’s maritime and aerospace forces also demonstrated their operational readiness with displays of laser weaponry, ship-based drones, and aerial refueling tankers, underscoring the country’s growing strategic capabilities.
The event reflects China’s continued focus on military modernization and its aim to position itself as a dominant global power while commemorating a historic victory in World War II.
