On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, China staged a massive and highly choreographed military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War-II surrender. The event, held in the heart of the Chinese capital, showcased an array of advanced military hardware, much of it publicly displayed for the very first time, and served as both a celebration of China’s historical resilience and a potent demonstration of its modern military might.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his dual roles as leader of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over the proceedings, watching as thousands of uniformed troops marched in perfect lockstep before him. The meticulously arranged formations, flyovers, and displays underscored the image of discipline, strength, and national unity that the Chinese leadership sought to project on this significant anniversary.

The military parade unveiled an impressive spectrum of advanced weaponry, reflecting the rapid modernization of the People’s Liberation Army. According to officials, many of the systems on display were strategic assets never before seen in public. These included land, sea, and air-based long-range weapons, next-generation precision strike systems, and advanced drones designed for surveillance and combat.

The aerial portion of the event was particularly striking, featuring sleek formations of fighter jets, helicopters, and bombers over the capital’s central business district. The dramatic display of weaponry not only highlighted China’s evolving capabilities across multiple domains of warfare but also sought to reassure the domestic audience of the military’s readiness to defend the country against external threats.

The significance of the parade went beyond commemorating the end of World War II, a conflict that was especially devastating for China. It marked the most prominent military celebration since the 2019 parade that honoured the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Analysts note that such events are deliberately orchestrated to instil confidence and pride among the Chinese populace, reinforcing the narrative that China has risen from its historical hardships to become a powerful and independent global player.

At the same time, the overwhelming display of force is raising concern among China’s regional neighbours and the United States, which view Beijing’s growing arsenal with increasing unease, particularly in the context of strategic competition and ongoing territorial disputes.

The guest list for this symbolic event reflected China’s geopolitical alignments at a time of heightened tensions with the West. While leaders from the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, India, and South Korea chose to remain absent, the parade drew participation from Beijing’s close partners and allies. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare foreign visit to attend, underlining the enduring ties between Pyongyang and Beijing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was also in attendance, further demonstrating the deepening China-Russia partnership amid their shared opposition to Western influence. Iran’s president joined as well, alongside numerous leaders from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South Asia.

In total, about two dozen foreign dignitaries participated, signalling Beijing’s determination to showcase international goodwill among nations seeking closer relations with China. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, though delayed by domestic unrest in his country, managed to arrive in time, underscoring the importance of the event for China’s diplomatic outlay.

True to China’s reputation for control and discipline, the parade was not a public spectacle in the traditional sense but a heavily restricted and security-intensive affair. Authorities erected barriers to keep the general public at least one block away from the route while clearing and temporarily closing commercial buildings along the parade site.

The entire event was designed for a select audience of invited guests, diplomats, and foreign leaders, with ordinary citizens limited to watching the proceedings via television or livestream. This managed approach reinforced the government’s preference for a carefully scripted presentation of national power, free from unpredictable crowds and spontaneous reactions.

In conclusion, the 80th anniversary military parade in Beijing was more than a ceremonial remembrance of World War II—it was a deliberate statement of China’s political confidence, military progress, and diplomatic orientation.

Through the controlled but grandiose display of advanced weapons, tightly disciplined troops, and selective foreign attendance, Beijing signalled both its growing strength and its commitment to shaping global perceptions of its resurgence. While designed to instil domestic pride and reassure the Chinese people of their country’s ability to defend itself, the parade also inevitably heightened concerns abroad, particularly in Washington, Tokyo, and other capitals.

Ultimately, the event underscored how China continues to use such high-profile military displays not only as commemorations of victory but as strategic tools for reinforcing its image as a rising global power in an increasingly contested international landscape.

Based On AP Report