China marked the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II with a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, unveiling some of its most advanced weaponry for the first time while President Xi Jinping called on nations to pursue peace and global cooperation.
The event, held at Tian’anmen Square, was the largest commemoration since 2015 and showcased cutting-edge military technology ranging from hypersonic missiles and directed-energy systems to electronic warfare platforms and unmanned combat drones. More than 10,000 troops, 100 aircraft and hundreds of tanks and armoured vehicles paraded through the capital in tightly choreographed formations, underscoring China’s military capabilities and ambitions.
Xi Jinping, presiding over the event as President, Communist Party General Secretary and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, described the 1945 victory as “China’s first complete triumph against foreign aggression in modern times.” He highlighted the sacrifices of the Chinese people, who endured years of invasion beginning in 1931 and suffered 35 million casualties during the conflict. “The Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilisation and the defence of world peace,” Xi said, urging nations to “eliminate the root causes of war” and prevent the repetition of historical tragedies.
The parade was attended by over two dozen international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and dignitaries from Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia, Mongolia, Maldives, Zimbabwe and Central Asian states. Representatives from Allied nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and Canada, who supported China during the war, were also present.
Towering installations resembling the Great Wall framed the square, symbolising China’s wartime resilience. As troops marched past in synchronised steps, helicopters flew banners declaring “Justice Prevails,” “Peace Prevails” and “The People Prevail.” Veterans and spectators also observed 80 commemorative banners honouring historic military units that fought during the Second World War.
For the first time, Chinese peacekeepers who had served in United Nations missions joined the parade, signalling China’s growing global security role. Their inclusion reflected Beijing’s effort to highlight not only military modernisation but also its participation in international peacekeeping. One returning soldier from the Democratic Republic of the Congo remarked that China had “the capability to defend the peace forged with the blood of our forefathers.”
The parade also carried strong political messaging. Xi stressed that the People’s Liberation Army must provide strategic support for China’s rejuvenation and modernisation, in line with the country’s long-term vision of becoming a fully modern socialist nation by 2035. The event allowed Beijing to balance its display of military power with a public call for cooperation, attempting to position itself as both a global peace advocate and a technologically advanced power.
Observers noted the significance of the advanced weapons on display, especially hypersonic missiles and electronic warfare systems that represent strategic capabilities designed to counterbalance global rivals. Directed-energy platforms and unmanned drones suggested China’s focus on emerging technologies that could redefine modern warfare. By revealing these weapons at a commemorative event tied to the memory of World War II, Beijing sent a dual message: honouring the past while asserting its role as a future military power.
China’s long resistance during the Second World War tied down much of Japan’s overseas forces and remains central to its national narrative of sacrifice and resilience. Wednesday’s parade reinforced this historical memory while projecting a confident image of national revival. “Eighty years ago, we were revived. Eighty years later, we are thriving with even greater vitality,” said Lyu Shouye, a graduate student who witnessed the event.
While Xi emphasised peace, the display of advanced military hardware underlined the complexity of China’s messaging at a time of heightened global tensions. The combination of remembrance, rhetoric and real-time power projection illustrated how Beijing seeks to frame itself as both a guardian of historical lessons and a central player in shaping the international order.
