Xi Jinping Declares China's Military Might at WWII Victory Parade

Beijing, Sep 3 (PTI) — President Xi Jinping declared the "unstoppable" rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as the country showcased its cutting-edge military capabilities, including hypersonic, laser, and long-range ballistic missiles. Addressing a grand parade honoring the 80th anniversary of China's World War II victory against Japanese aggression, Xi affirmed, "The Chinese nation is never intimidated by any bullies and always forges ahead," subtly addressing US President Donald Trump's tariff threats. He remarked, "History cautions us that humanity rises and falls together." Xi urged the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to offer strategic backing for national rejuvenation and contribute to global peace and development. The parade, for the first time, unveiled China's most advanced military hardware, signaling a show of strength to the world, particularly the US. Xi, as the head of the Central Military Commission (CMC), directed the PLA to become a world-class force, safeguarding national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. China, the second-largest defense spender after the US, set its defense budget this year at USD 250 billion. Besides military might, the parade demonstrated China's diplomatic power, attracting 26 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Regional leaders such as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu attended. India's Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, was also present, as per sources.Major Western leaders, including those from the US, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, were notably absent. The event sparked a diplomatic spat between Japan and China, with Japan urging leaders worldwide to boycott the event. In response, China lodged an official protest with Japan. Xi, in his address, highlighted that China's WWII victory marked the nation's first complete triumph over foreign aggression in modern history. This victory, achieved through a national united front against Japanese aggression under the Communist Party of China (CPC), represented a significant Chinese contribution to human civilization’s salvation and world peace defense, achieved with immense sacrifice. He emphasized the importance of nations treating each other as equals and living in harmony to ensure common security and prevent historical tragedies from recurring. Standing with Putin and Kim, Xi declared, "Today, humanity is again faced with a choice between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games." Later, at a reception, Xi expressed gratitude to the foreign governments and international allies supporting China against Japanese aggression during WWII. During the parade, China revealed several new weapon systems, including the DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles. State-run Global Times noted the missile's range exceeds 20,000 kilometers, boasting enhanced defense penetration and precision. It reportedly encompasses the entire globe within its strike range, according to experts. Other exhibited weapons included a vehicle-based laser defense weapon, various aircraft carrier fighter jets, deep-sea drones, the H-6J long-range bomber, airborne early warning aircraft, army and navy drones, DF-26D anti-ship ballistic missiles with a 5000 km range, CJ-1000 long-range hypersonic cruise missiles, air defense systems, HQ-29 ballistic missile interceptors, 'carrier killer' missiles, the new Type 99B battle tank, and multiple rocket launchers.