Beijing (TDI): China staged a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, showcasing new weaponry and underscoring its ability as a rising global power.
President Xi Jinping, joined by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, and leaders from nearly two dozen nations, presided over the commemoration at Tiananmen Square.
Before the parade began, Xi paid tribute to Chinese veterans of the war, calling them symbols of resilience and sacrifice. “The Chinese people are not afraid of violence and remain self-reliant and strong,” he declared. Since taking power in 2012, Xi has consistently emphasized his vision of building a China that is powerful enough to stand firm against foreign pressure.
The 90-minute parade featured an array of cutting-edge technology, including aerial and underwater drones, hypersonic missiles, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and advanced fighter jets. A highlight was the AJX002 underwater drone, a sleek, tube-shaped craft resembling a small submarine. The new DF-61 ICBM, capable of carrying nuclear warheads across continents, also drew attention.
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Fighter jets and bombers roared overhead, some releasing streams of colored exhaust, while helicopters flew in tight formation, one group spelling out the number “80” in honor of the anniversary. The spectacle began with an 80-gun artillery salute, followed by the playing of China’s national anthem, the March of the Volunteers.
In his speech, Xi urged the world to choose cooperation over confrontation. “Humanity faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and conflict. The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation cannot be stopped, and the peaceful progress of human civilization must prevail,” he said.
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The event was not only a commemoration of the millions who perished during Japan’s invasion of China, but also a demonstration of the Communist Party’s success in transforming the country into a major military and economic power.
