Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: Beijing's Tiananmen Square was the scene of one of the largest military parades in China's history today (Wednesday, September 3). The event, which was held to mark the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the war against Japanese aggression and World War II, featured more than 10,000 soldiers, hundreds of pieces of advanced military equipment and the presence of prominent world leaders.

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, led the parade and stressed the importance of maintaining world peace and confronting external threats in his speech. The ceremony, which lasted about 70 minutes, was a symbol of China's military progress under the leadership of the Communist Party and sent a clear message to global rivals.

 

Historical Background and Significance of the Event

Today’s parade is rooted in historical events. September 3rd is the day China celebrates its victory over Japan in World War II. In 1945, after eight years of bloody war, Japanese forces surrendered, a victory that not only marked the end of the occupation but also symbolized global unity against fascism. This year, 80 years later, China saw the event as an opportunity to remember its role in World War II. “China will never allow history to repeat itself,” Xi Jinping said in his speech, urging the world to avoid “hegemony” and “bullying.”

 

The parade is also part of China’s efforts to boost its sense of domestic nationalism. In recent years, under Xi’s leadership, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has expanded dramatically, and China’s military budget has reached more than $230 billion. The event also comes at a time of heightened tensions over the South China Sea, Taiwan and relations with the United States.

 

According to Reuters, analysts believe that the show of military power is a message to Washington and its allies that China is ready to defend its interests.

 

Parade details: Show of advanced equipment

The ceremony began with a foot parade, where 45 military groups marched in a coordinated march past the stage. More than 10,000 troops, including ground, naval, air and missile forces, took part in the ceremony.

 

The highlight was the display of equipment: the DF-31AG and DF-41 hypersonic ballistic missiles, capable of reaching the US mainland, were unveiled publicly for the first time. Also on display were the FH-97 stealth drones, known as the "Loyal Wing", and advanced anti-ship systems. Tanks, J-20 fighter jets and Z-20 helicopters were also part of the show.

 

According to Sputnik, the equipment represents a new generation of Chinese weapons, which focuses on new technologies such as artificial intelligence and hypersonic speed. More than 580 pieces of military equipment were reportedly in the parade, many of which were being unveiled for the first time. The air show culminated with a flyover of more than 160 aircraft, including H-6N bombers, painting the Beijing sky in colorful patterns.

 

International guests and diplomatic fringes

A notable aspect of the event was the presence of 26 foreign leaders. Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un stood alongside Xi, symbolizing the “unrestricted” alliance between China, Russia, and North Korea. Iranian President Masoud Pezzekian was also among the guests who attracted attention from Western media.

 

CNN reported that the US and its allies described the parade as an “aggressive show of force,” while US President Trump tried to downplay the parade in front of reporters hours earlier, claiming that “China needs us.”

 

Other diplomatic quirks included the absence of Western leaders. The European Union and Japan declined invitations, reflecting ongoing historical and current tensions.