In the parade, along with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, leaders of 25 countries were seen together on the stage.
What you should know
China's parade of missiles, fighter jets and new weapons on Wednesday turned the world's attention to Beijing. 'Victory Day Parade 2025' has been organized to mark the 80th anniversary of China's defeat of Japan during World War II.
China's show of power has been watched with interest, especially by the US and Western countries. In the parade, along with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, leaders of 25 countries were seen together on the stage.
Chinese President Xi led the parade in front of about two dozen foreign leaders . Several new weapons were unveiled at the parade for the first time, including drones, missiles and advanced aircraft. China has signaled that it is second to none in military power by displaying sophisticated land, sea and air missiles, drones and precision-guided munitions. Since being elected for the second time, US President Donald Trump has been adopting a tough stance against other countries with tariff hikes.
Especially China's JL-1 nuclear missile and DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile have attracted everyone's attention. The DF-5 is said to have a range of more than 13,000 kilometers and can carry more than 10 missiles that can independently engage targets. Also, the CJ-1000 hypersonic cruise missile and the HQ-29 anti-ballistic missile were launched. The HQ-29 is designed to target ballistic missiles and satellites in space. It is also the main weapon of China's defense system.
China also displayed new weapons for its navy and air force during the parade. Cargo fighters such as the J-35 and J-15T were introduced for the first time. The J-35 is said to be China's most advanced fighter jet. Which is designed for safety at sea. AI-operated drones and unmanned systems on display at the parade wowed everyone, including surveillance and attack drones, unmanned wingmen and shipborne helicopters.
Such sophisticated drones can be used to monitor large areas and work automatically in groups. It is said that the unmanned aircraft made for the army and navy will detect and destroy landmines, deliver ammunition and help rescue the injured.
America, the main competitor militarily and economically, has responded to this display of military power by China. President Trump has made suspicious comments about China's military display. Posting on his social network Truth Social, Trump accused Russia and North Korea of conspiring against the United States in collaboration with China. The biggest question is, can President Xi of China explain the immense support and bloodshed? America gave China freedom from foreign invaders,” he wrote.
He reminded that many Americans were martyred for China's victory and glory. "I hope those American soldiers will be remembered with due respect for their courage and sacrifice," he said. "My best wishes to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong. Because you are conspiring against America.'
President Xi warned America in a roundabout way during the parade. He said that he is not afraid of anyone anymore. He warned that they are not afraid of anyone's threats and are able to respond without mentioning Trump's name. For the same reason, Trump has accused Xi of conspiring against America with Putin and Kim.
China has also given a clear message that America will not follow its whims in Asia. According to the international media, China has shown through the parade that it is now an alternative to America and has also claimed the leadership of non-western countries in the world through a show of power. The Western media have said that the display of military power and putting the American rival leader on the same platform is China's diplomatic influence and it will help to unite against Trump's tariffs and unstable policies.
At the beginning of this week, Xi held a regional security conference and had a view to be united against American hegemony and threats in the new world order. Reuters noted that China's military display now sends a message that the US presence in the Pacific region is thinning.
Wen Tee Sung, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub in Taiwan, commented that Xi is confident that the power table has changed and that China is now in the driver's seat. He says that due to Trump's uncertain policy and unilateralism, other powerful countries of the world are approaching China. The international news organization BBC has also commented that the Wednesday's parade is not only to see what is China's position, how much power it has, but also to show where China is going now. -
