China to stage massive military parade marking World War II anniversary

China will hold a large-scale military parade in central Beijing on 3 September to mark 80 years since Japan's surrender in World War Two, showcasing new weaponry and air power amid rising regional tensions.

Hundreds of aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, will fly over Tiananmen Square alongside ground equipment, some never seen in public before according to authorities. The parade will feature 45 military contingents and last 70 minutes. President Xi Jinping will oversee the event, joined by foreign dignitaries including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is expected to unveil new hypersonic and anti-ship missiles, drone-defence systems, and early warning aircraft designed to protect China’s expanding naval presence.

"The weapons will fully demonstrate our military's robust ability to adapt to technological advancements," said Wu Zeke, deputy director of the parade.

The display comes as China's military assertiveness continues to raise concern among regional neighbours and Western powers. Observers say the parade is intended as both a celebration of historical victory and a signal of future readiness.

The last comparable event occurred in 2015, when more than 12,000 troops participated and 200 aircraft took part. That parade drew guests from Russia, Belarus and Cambodia, while many Western leaders declined to attend. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe notably stayed away.

This year, Beijing has already conducted two large-scale weekend rehearsals, involving more than 60,000 personnel. Security measures in the capital have intensified, with road closures, diverted traffic, and restrictions on commercial activity around the parade route.

The event is expected to reinforce China’s emphasis on military modernisation and national pride, while international analysts will closely watch the systems unveiled as indicators of China’s strategic priorities.

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