What New Weapons Did China Unveil at the WW2 Victory Parade?

Beijing, Sep 3 (NationPress) In a remarkable milestone, China showcased some of its most cutting-edge military technologies on Wednesday, including hypersonic missiles, electronic warfare systems, and unmanned combat platforms, during an extensive military parade in central Beijing. The event commemorated the 80th anniversary of China's victory in World War II and conveyed a strong message of peace and global cooperation from President Xi Jinping, despite ongoing global tensions.

Hosted in Tian’anmen Square, the parade highlighted China's advanced weaponry, featuring hypersonic missiles, directed-energy systems, electronic warfare equipment, and unmanned intelligence platforms, many of which were revealed to the public for the first time. Over 10,000 military personnel, more than 100 aircraft, and hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles participated in the grand showcase.

President Xi Jinping, who also holds the positions of General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over the parade. In his keynote address, he underscored the historical significance of the victory, describing it as “China’s first complete triumph against foreign aggression in modern times.”

“The Chinese people made a significant contribution to the preservation of human civilization and the safeguarding of world peace,” Xi declared, calling for nations to “eradicate the root causes of war” to avert the recurrence of historical tragedies.

Alongside Xi on the Tian’anmen Rostrum were over two dozen world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and dignitaries from countries such as Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nepal, and others.

This event marked only the second occurrence since 2015 that China hosted such an extensive military parade for Victory Day. Towering displays resembling the Great Wall stood in the square, symbolizing Chinese resilience during wartime. Helicopters flew banners proclaiming “Justice Prevails,” “Peace Prevails,” and “The People Prevail” as troops marched in synchronized formations.

Veterans and spectators witnessed 80 commemorative banners celebrating historic military units from the war.

China’s resistance against aggression, which began in 1931, was one of the earliest and longest among Allied nations, tying down more than half of Japan’s overseas forces and incurring 35 million casualties, approximately one-third of total global losses in WWII.

Representatives from nations that supported China during the war, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Canada, were also in attendance.

For the first time, Chinese peacekeepers who served under the United Nations were included in the formations, reflecting China's expanding global defense stance. A soldier who served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo stated, “We possess the capability to uphold the peace established with the sacrifices of our forefathers.”

Xi also emphasized that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) must provide strategic support for China's rejuvenation and modernization, aligning with the nation’s long-term goal of becoming a fully modern socialist country by 2035.

“Eighty years ago, we were revived. Eighty years later, we are flourishing with even greater vitality,” said Lyu Shouye, a graduate student and spectator at the event.