China held its largest-ever military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese “People’s War of Resistance against Japan” in World War II.
New Delhi: China unveiled its most formidable military arsenal to date during Tuesday’s Victory Day parade in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender with a display that underscored the People’s Liberation Army’s rapid modernization and growing strategic ambitions.
The parade, witnessed by over 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square and 26 world leaders, including the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, featured more than 10,000 troops and hundreds of advanced weapons systems – many appearing publicly for the first time.
The event served dual purposes: commemorating historical victory while demonstrating China’s emergence as a military superpower capable of challenging American dominance in the Asia-Pacific region.
Nuclear Arsenal Takes Centre Stage
DF-5C missile.
DF-5C: China’s most powerful ICBM
The parade’s centrepiece was the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile, an upgraded variant making its public debut. Defence analysts describe this liquid-fuelled ICBM as China’s most potent nuclear weapon, with an estimated range exceeding 20,000 kilometres – effectively placing the entire globe within striking distance.
Military expert Yang Chengjun confirmed to Global Times [archived link] that the DF-5C incorporates multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), capable of deploying up to 12 nuclear warheads from a single missile. Enhanced with China’s BeiDou navigation system for improved precision targeting, the weapon features advanced countermeasures designed to penetrate existing missile defence systems.
Defence analyst Alexander Neill noted [archived link] that the missile’s multiple warhead capacity presents “significant challenges” to existing missile defence architectures, marking a substantial leap in China’s strategic nuclear capabilities.
Mobile nuclear platforms
DF-61 missile.
The DF-61, a new road-mobile ICBM transported on an eight-axle vehicle, made its debut alongside the DF-31BJ, an improved variant of China’s DF-31AG missile family. While technical specifications remain classified, experts estimate the DF-61’s range at approximately 15,000 kilometres with multiple warhead capacity.
The mobile deployment system provides crucial survivability advantages, enabling rapid relocation to avoid enemy detection and targeting. Military analyst Michael Raska emphasized that mobile ICBMs represent “significant strategic advancement, complicating adversary targeting calculations.”
Completing the Nuclear Triad
JL-3 missile.
For the first time, China displayed its complete nuclear triad – integrated land, sea, and air-based nuclear delivery systems. The JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile, designed for deployment from Xi’an H-6N strategic bombers, filled a critical gap in China’s nuclear arsenal.
The maritime component featured the JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, which military analyst Shao Yongling described [archived link] as a pivotal advancement in China’s nuclear counterattack capabilities.
Hypersonic Weapons Dominate Anti-Ship Arsenal
YJ-Series ‘Carrier Killers’
China showcased an impressive array of hypersonic anti-ship missiles from the Ying Ji (Eagle Attack) family, including the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 systems. Operating at speeds exceeding Mach 6, these weapons specifically target large naval vessels, particularly aircraft carriers.
The YJ-20 earned particular attention as an “aircraft carrier killer” due to its ability to penetrate advanced naval defence systems. Its hypersonic speed and terminal manoeuvring capabilities make interception extremely difficult using current defensive technologies.
YJ-21 ballistic-cruise hybrid missile.
YJ-21 ballistic-cruise hybrid
The YJ-21 represents innovative design combining ballistic and cruise missile characteristics. Unlike conventional hypersonic cruise missiles, the YJ-21 follows a ballistic trajectory, exiting the atmosphere before re-entering at hypersonic speeds – extending range while increasing terminal velocity.
These anti-ship systems pose direct challenges to US Navy operations in the Western Pacific, potentially complicating American military intervention in regional conflicts.
DF-26D missile.
DF-26D ‘Guam Killer’
The upgraded DF-26D intermediate-range ballistic missile featured prominently, earning the sobriquet “Guam Killer” for its sufficient range to target US military installations on Guam, approximately 3,000 kilometres from China. The variant incorporates improved guidance systems and all-weather combat capabilities.
Fifth-Generation Aviation Breakthrough
J-20S fighter.
J-20S: World’s first twin-seat stealth fighter
China unveiled the J-20S, described as the world’s first twin-seat fifth-generation stealth fighter. Military expert Zhang Xuefeng explained [archived link] to Global Times that the additional pilot functions beyond training roles, serving as mission commander capable of controlling “loyal wingman” drones and conducting airborne early warning missions.
Fighter aircraft wingmen drones.
In the same article, expert Fu Qianshao suggested that if the aircraft effectively commands unmanned wingmen, “it can be regarded as the world’s first 5.5th generation fighter jet,” representing a bridge between fifth and sixth-generation capabilities.
J-35 naval variant fighter.
J-35: Naval stealth capability
The J-35 stealth fighter made its debut as China’s first carrier-capable stealth aircraft, providing the PLA Navy with advanced air superiority capabilities previously limited to land-based operations. This system will operate from Chinese aircraft carriers, significantly enhancing naval aviation capabilities.
J-20A enhanced variant
The J-20A represents an upgraded version featuring modifications near the cockpit for reduced air resistance and an enlarged fuselage potentially accommodating additional onboard systems.
Advanced Defence Systems
HQ-29 exoatmospheric interceptor.
HQ-29 exoatmospheric interceptor
China revealed the HQ-29 missile-defence system, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles and potentially satellites in space. The system’s dual capability represents significant advancement in China’s layered air defence network, comparable to US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) systems.
Multi-layered air defence
The HQ-20 and HQ-22A anti-aircraft missile systems made their public debut, designed to engage conventional aerial threats including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and short- to medium-range ballistic missiles, forming part of China’s comprehensive air defence architecture.
Directed Energy Weapons Enter Battlefield
LY-1 laser defence.
LY-1 laser defence system
The LY-1 laser weapon appeared mounted on both naval platforms and ground-based trucks. Defence analyst Alexander Neill described the system as capable of disabling electronics and blinding pilots, representing China’s entry into practical directed-energy warfare.
The naval variant is designed for aircraft carrier defence, while truck-mounted versions provide ground force protection. Chinese state media emphasised the weapon’s “precision destruction and consistent strike” capabilities.
Anti-drone laser systems
China displayed truck-mounted high-energy laser systems specifically designed to counter drone swarms, working in conjunction with microwave systems to provide comprehensive counter-unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities – reflecting lessons learned from drone warfare in Ukraine.
Autonomous Systems Revolution
AJX002 underwater drone.
Underwater dominance
The parade featured two types of extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles: the AJX002 and a larger unnamed variant. The AJX002, approximately 18-20 metres long, represents China’s most advanced underwater drone technology.
These systems are designed for multiple missions including reconnaissance, mine-laying, and anti-submarine warfare. Defence analyst Isaac Kardon noted [archived link] that China possesses “some of the world’s leading technology and industrial capacity for uncrewed undersea vehicles.”
AI-equipped combat drones
China showcased various artificial intelligence-equipped drones, including the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” stealth attack drone and reconnaissance-strike integrated platforms capable of operating autonomously or as “loyal wingmen” alongside manned aircraft.
Robot Wolves autonomous ground vehicles.
Robotic ground forces
The parade included robotic ground vehicles, colloquially termed “robot wolves,” designed for reconnaissance, mine detection, and combat support roles. These four-legged autonomous systems represent China’s advancement in battlefield robotics.
Strategic Transport and Support
Y-20 transport family
The Y-20A military transport aircraft and upgraded Y-20B variant demonstrated China’s strategic airlift capabilities. Equipped with domestically produced engines, these platforms provide long-range, high-capacity transport essential for power projection operations.
KJ-600 early-warning aircraft.
Naval aviation enhancement
The KJ-600 made its public debut as China’s carrier-capable airborne early warning platform. Operating from the Fujian aircraft carrier, this system serves similar roles to the US Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye, significantly enhancing Chinese naval aviation capabilities.
Strategic Implications and Analysis
Military modernization acceleration
Defence analyst Michael Raska observed that the parade demonstrated China’s commitment to “replacing traditional structures” with advanced technological systems. The integration of artificial intelligence across multiple platforms indicates confidence in controlling and deploying AI-enabled military systems.
Security expert Alexander Neill noted that despite operational uncertainties surrounding some innovations, China clearly communicated technological progress across multiple military domains, showcasing not just individual weapons systems but integration and command capabilities necessary for modern warfare.
Deterrence architecture
The simultaneous display of China’s complete nuclear triad, advanced conventional strike systems, and sophisticated defence networks creates comprehensive deterrence architecture. This multi-layered approach aims to raise costs of potential military intervention by adversaries while providing China flexible response options across the escalation spectrum.
James Char from Singapore’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies emphasised that the weapons array complicates strategic calculations for the United States and allies in potential East Asian conflicts.
Regional security dynamics
The weapons display carries significant implications for regional security, particularly regarding Taiwan. While the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, did not mention Taiwan directly, military observers noted that showcased capabilities directly address potential Taiwan Strait scenarios.
The emphasis on anti-ship missiles, amphibious capabilities, and air superiority systems suggests preparation for potential Taiwan conflict. Defence analyst Brian Hart noted [pdf] that China’s new XLUUVs could serve crucial roles in Taiwan blockade scenarios, including covert mine-laying operations around Taiwanese ports.
Operational Capabilities and Limitations
While the parade demonstrated impressive technological advancement, experts noted important caveats about actual operational capabilities. Military expert Chieh Chung pointed out that some systems might still be in limited deployment or undergoing testing, not yet ready for mass production.
The People’s Liberation Army remains untested in major combat operations since the 1979 border conflict with Vietnam, raising questions about effectively integrating advanced systems in actual warfare.
However, the presence of Putin and Kim at the parade underscored strengthening ties among nations challenging US-led international order. This alignment represents fundamental shift in global power dynamics with China emerging as leading partner rather than junior ally.
Strategic Assessment
China’s 2025 Victory Day parade represents a watershed moment demonstrating the PLA’s transformation from quantity-focused force to technology-driven military approaching parity with western capabilities. The comprehensive display signals China’s emergence as military superpower capable of challenging US dominance in the Asia-Pacific region.
The parade highlighted China’s success in integrating artificial intelligence, hypersonic technology, and autonomous systems across military structure. The emphasis on unmanned systems demonstrates China’s vision for future warfare dominated by autonomous platforms operating in coordinated formations.
The strategic message was unambiguous: China possesses both military capability and political will to defend its interests and challenge existing power structures, marking a decisive moment in 21st-century great power competition evolution.
While questions remain about PLA operational effectiveness in actual combat, the technological capabilities displayed suggest China has successfully narrowed the military gap with the United States far more rapidly than many experts anticipated, fundamentally altering the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region.
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