Beijing is preparing to showcase its growing diplomatic and military prowess on Wednesday with an unprecedented display of modern fighter jets, advanced missiles, and the latest electronic warfare technology at what is touted as China's largest military parade ever. This exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japanese forces in World War II.
Adding to the parade's significance is the presence of 26 foreign leaders, including notable figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and leaders from Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, and Central Asia. From India’s vicinity, attendees include Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing via train on his second visit to China since 2019 and the first following speculation of tensions between the two allies. This alleged rift arose from Kim's efforts to reduce China’s influence by fostering closer ties with Putin, including sending troops to support Russia’s stance in the Ukraine conflict.
The presence of Xi, Putin, and Kim together in Beijing at a military event is viewed as China's strategic maneuver to send a powerful message to the United States and President Donald Trump, who had attempted to persuade both Putin and Kim to align with Washington. This meeting follows a prominent summit of the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interactions with Xi and Putin occurred under the shadow of Trump's 50% tariffs against India for purchasing Russian oil.
The diplomatic sparring between Japan and China emerged as Japan requested world leaders not to participate in the parade commemorating China's resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II. In response, China lodged a diplomatic protest against Japan's request.
China is making extensive efforts to demonstrate its global influence and military capacity, an initiative perceived as enhancing Xi’s leadership profile. This parade contrasts with a rare display of strength held by the US military in June.
The historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing is meticulously prepared to host the event, where 26 foreign leaders will observe Xi delivering a speech and taking the salute from an elevated platform. The secretive Chinese military plans to capitalize on this occasion by unveiling its modern weapons, equivalent in capability to those of the US military.
Numerous journalists from China and around the globe have been invited under stringent security measures to witness the largest parade conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). China will introduce a series of new-generation weaponry, including fourth-generation tanks and aircraft, unmanned intelligence systems, counter-unmanned equipment, and advanced missiles like hypersonic ones.
All these displayed armaments are domestically produced and currently active, as reported by Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), responsible for organizing the parade, during an interview with the state-run Xinhua news agency. The parade will also feature directed-energy weapons and electronic jamming systems.
Additionally, the event will showcase various advanced equipment, such as hypersonic, air defense anti-missile systems, and strategic missiles, highlighting China's strategic deterrence capabilities. Wu emphasized that these demonstrations aim to fully illustrate the capability of the Chinese armed forces to adapt to techno-scientific advancement and evolving forms of warfare, ensuring supremacy in future conflicts.
This display will convincingly affirm the Chinese military's robust ability to protect national sovereignty, security, development interests, and uphold global peace, Wu added.
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