On September 3, 1945, Japanese officials signed the instrument of surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay bringing World War II to an end. For China, this date holds special significance as it also marks the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War, which began in 1937 and the liberation of Chinese territory from Japanese occupation. It marked the end of one of the darkest chapters in modern history that cost over 14 million lives and displaced tens of million people. This is why it is celebrated even today as Victory Day in China.
On September 3, 2025 Beijing hosted a grand military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Second World War (V-Day 80th). The first element that struck observers was sheer size. Over 12,000 troops, 45 formations, 100 aircraft, hundreds of tanks, missiles, and armoured vehicles, and other advanced weapon systems participated in the parade. It will be remembered as the greatest military parade in modern history — that overshadowed even the famous Nazi and Soviet parades in the early 20th century. Nowhere in the world has such a vast number of weapons and troops marched together including the 1939 Nuremberg Rally (5,000 troops), and Soviet Red Square parades (8,000–10,000) troops.
One of the most striking features of the parade was its comprehensiveness. Virtually every branch of the Chinese armed forces participated in it.
- PLA Ground Force (PLAGF)- comprising formations of infantry, armour, and artillery
- Navy (PLAN), represented by sailors and marines.
- Air Force (PLAAF), both pilots and ground crews.
- Rocket Force (PLARF), China’s custodians of strategic missiles.
- Strategic Support Force (PLAASF), responsible for space and electronic warfare.
- Cyberspace Force (PLACF) and Information Support Force (PLAISF), the newest arms of digital conflict.
- Joint Logistics Support Force (PLAJLSF), ensuring supply and mobility.
- People’s Armed Police, Militia, and Women’s Militia, emphasising the total mobilisation of society.
The PLA Ground Force (PLAGF) – the backbone of China’s military might, fielded formations of infantry, armour, and artillery. Its soldiers and mechanised units demonstrated both the traditional strength and the modernisation of land warfare capabilities. Their presence reflected the PLA’s enduring role in defending China’s borders and projecting ground power.
Navy (PLAN) – Represented by sailors and marines, the PLA Navy highlighted China’s transformation into a maritime power. Once a coastal defence force, it now boasts aircraft carriers, advanced destroyers, and nuclear submarines. The naval contingent in the parade symbolised China’s ambition to secure sea lanes and assert influence far beyond its shores.
Air Force (PLAAF) – The PLA Air Force combined marching formations of airmen with a dramatic flypast of fighters, bombers, and helicopters. This showcased not only pilots but also the technicians and ground crews who keep China’s aerial fleet combat-ready. The PLAAF’s growing emphasis on stealth, long-range strike, and integrated air defence underlines its centrality in modern joint warfare.
Rocket Force (PLARF) – Custodians of China’s nuclear and conventional missile arsenal, the PLA Rocket Force displayed both strategic and tactical weapons. From intercontinental ballistic missiles to medium-range systems, their presence reinforced China’s deterrence posture. The Rocket Force embodies the country’s shift toward missile-centric power projection and second-strike capability.
Strategic Support Force (PLAASF) – Tasked with overseeing space, cyber, and electronic warfare, the Strategic Support Force represents the cutting edge of China’s military doctrine. Its role is to ensure information dominance and protect critical space assets. The PLAASF’s inclusion in the parade was a reminder that future wars will be fought as much in orbit and cyberspace as on land or sea.
Cyberspace Force (PLACF) & Information Support Force (PLAISF) – These are the newest arms of the PLA, reflecting Beijing’s recognition of digital and cognitive warfare. The Cyberspace Force focuses on network security and offensive cyber operations, while the Information Support Force ensures battlefield integration of data and communications. Together, they represent China’s push to make information superiority a decisive weapon.
Joint Logistics Support Force (PLAJLSF) – the PLAJLSF ensures the flow of supplies, transport, and medical support. Its role in the parade underscored China’s capacity to sustain large-scale operations across multiple theatres. In modern war, as in peace, logistics remains the ultimate enabler of military success.
Over 12,000 troops, 45 formations, 100 aircraft, and advanced weapons systems were displayed in the parade. Nowhere in the world has such a vast array of weapons and troops marched together including the 1939 Nuremberg Rally (5,000 troops), and Soviet Red Square parades (8,000–10,000) troops
People’s Armed Police, Militia, and Women’s Militia – The People’s Armed Police serve as both an internal security and paramilitary force, while the militia represents the mobilisation of civilians for defence. The Women’s Militia added symbolic weight, underlining that national defence is a shared responsibility across society.
Unlike most other militaries which keep marching contingents small—typically 100 soldiers in 10×10 block to eliminate even the slightest chances of error, the Chinese marching contingents in Beijing had 625 troops (25×25) marching in flawless harmony. To keep such large bodies of men and women moving in step requires not only rigorous training but also extraordinary discipline and stamina. It was a masterclass in discipline, training, and a clear reminder that the PLA is not just an army but an integrated war machine, spanning traditional domains of land, sea, and air, as well as the new frontiers of cyber and space. It was a rare display of integration, highlighting how the PLA now conceives of warfare across every conceivable domain.
Instead of relying on recorded music, thousands of civilian youth sang “March of the Volunteers,” “Ode to the Motherland,” and “Rush to Glory” giving the parade an emotional touch — blending military precision and spontaneity with grassroots energy and patriotism.
Equally significant was the message of self-reliance. From main battle tanks, to armoured personnel carriers, air-defence systems, drones, laser weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles and robots — every piece of equipment on display was designed and manufactured in China. The variety of systems on display was equally breath-taking. From intercontinental ballistic missiles and stealth drones to directed-energy weapons and robotic platforms, the parade highlighted not just quantity but also technological sophistication.
New Weapon Systems Displayed for the First Time
The new weapon systems displayed publicly for the first time at the military parade in Beijing included:
Nuclear Triad Debut – For the first time, China unveiled all three legs of its nuclear deterrent in a single parade, underscoring its strategic modernisation. The Jinglei-1 (JL-1) air-launched ballistic missile, Julang-3 (JL-3) submarine-launched ICBM, and a series of land-based missiles including DF-61, DF-31, and the MIRV-capable DF-5C highlighted a comprehensive nuclear delivery capability. This marked a symbolic declaration of readiness and balance across air, sea, and land domains.
Hypersonic & Cruise Missiles –China emphasised its growing precision-strike capability with the debut of advanced hypersonic and cruise missiles. Systems like the DF-17, DF-26D, and Yingji-series hypersonic anti-ship missiles were showcased alongside cruise missiles such as Changjian-20A, Changjian-1000, and Yingji-18C. These weapons reflect a focus on speed, manoeuvrability, and long-range precision, designed to challenge adversary defences and secure dominance in regional waters.
Laser and Directed-Energy Weapons- The parade highlighted China’s entry into futuristic weaponry with the LY-1 high-energy laser system. Displayed on mobile platforms and intended for naval deployment, the system is designed to intercept drones and missiles at close range. Together with anti-drone “triad” systems combining missile guns, lasers, and microwave technologies, China demonstrated its determination to dominate the evolving battlespace of unmanned and aerial threats.
Drone and Unmanned Systems- China showcased a diverse family of unmanned platforms spanning air, sea, and underwater domains. The AJX-002 extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV) hinted at potential nuclear or reconnaissance roles. The stealthy GJ-21 carrier-capable drone, with folding wings, highlighted advances in next-generation UCAVs. Supporting this were unmanned helicopter drones, mine-laying systems, and naval aerial drones—underscoring China’s move toward autonomous warfare across multiple environments.
It will be remembered as the greatest military parade in modern history — that overshadowed even the famous Nazi and Soviet parades in the early 20th century. Nowhere in the world has such a vast number of weapons and troops marched together including the 1939 Nuremberg Rally (5,000 troops), and Soviet Red Square parades (8,000–10,000) troops
New Air Defense and Missile Systems- the HQ-20 surface-to-air missile system was introduced as a new-generation evolution of the HQ-9. With slimmer missiles and more launchers, the system promises enhanced coverage against aerial and ballistic missile threats. Its unveiling signaled China’s focus on layered air defence to counter stealth aircraft and advanced precision-strike weapons in contested airspaces.
Cyber & Information Warfare Units-Beyond advanced hardware, China emphasised the invisible frontlines of modern conflict by parading its newly established cyberspace and information support units. Created in 2024, these units represent the institutionalisation of cyber and electronic warfare capabilities. Their presence highlighted Beijing’s recognition that future wars will be fought not only with missiles and tanks, but also through control of networks, data, and information dominance.
The weapon systems displayed included:
- Main Battle Tanks, including the latest Type 99B with digital camouflage.
- Armoured Personnel Carriers and infantry fighting vehicles equipped with advanced sensors.
- Anti-aircraft and missile defence systems, including the newly unveiled HQ-20.
- Laser and directed-energy weapons, mounted on trucks for mobile deployment.
- Drones and robotics, ranging from hand-launched reconnaissance UAVs to the massive AJX-002 extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle.
Overhead, more than 100 aircraft thundered past, helicopters formed the number “80” in the sky to fighter jets trailing coloured smoke. For many watching, the flypast symbolised not just a military anniversary, but a declaration: China has entered the ranks of military-industrial giants.
Strategic Messages to the World
China is Powerful
Beyond the pomp and precision, the event carried unmistakable strategic messages for global audiences that China is no longer a regional power anyone can mess around with. It is a great power with the ability, and intent, to shape the global order. The parade’s sheer scale and display of indigenous weaponry—from small arms to intercontinental missiles—signalled the maturity of China’s defence industry. Every system was designed and produced at home, reflecting self-reliance and cutting-edge innovation. The message was blunt: China now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global military powers, and any attempt to challenge it will be met with formidable force.
Equally significant was the message of self-reliance. From main battle tanks, to armoured personnel carriers, air-defence systems, drones, laser weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles and robots — every piece of equipment on display was designed and manufactured in China
China Cannot be Isolated in World Politics, Militarily or Economically
The attendance of leaders like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and representatives from Pakistan demonstrated that Beijing is not alone. By highlighting solidarity with other nuclear powers, China has shown that it has partners who will stand with it despite Western pressure. The visual of allies together was meant to counter narratives of isolation and reinforce China’s global influence.
Trade and Military Relations are Two Different Things
By inviting Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir—the only foreign military officer present—China drew a clear line between commerce and defence. While it trades widely, even with rivals, its military bonds with Pakistan remain unique and unwavering. The gesture underscored that economic pragmatism does not dilute Beijing’s strategic alliances.
China Cannot be Strangulated
On the eve of the parade, Beijing and Moscow sealed the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline agreement. Supplying 50 billion cubic meters annually, the project ensures China’s energy security while offering Russia a vast new market. The timing conveyed a deliberate message: attempts to cut off China’s lifelines will fail, as it has secured resilient partnerships for its future.
Conclusion
China’s V-Day 80th parade was much more than just the largest military display in history. It was a statement of intent. By combining unprecedented scale, flawless precision, indigenous technology, and the participation of both military and civilian forces, Beijing projected a vision of itself as a confident superpower.
In the short term, the world saw goose-stepping soldiers and gleaming missiles. In the long term, it saw the contours of a new order, where China seeks to define the rules of war and peace alike.
The message was loud and clear: “China cannot be taken for granted.”
–The writer is a seasoned media professional with over three decades of experience in print, electronic, and web media. He is presently Editor of Taazakhabar News. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
