China launched its largest military parade on Wednesday, showcasing growing firepower as President Xi Jinping sought to project Beijing’s role on the global stage. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were among the leaders attending at Tiananmen Square.
The red carpet at Tiananmen Square set the stage for a carefully choreographed event designed to highlight China’s global standing. President Xi Jinping walked past honour guards into the square, accompanied by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A choir performed patriotic songs as more than 50,000 spectators filled the stands.
Xi greeted over 20 attending leaders in English with phrases such as “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China.” Indonesia’s president also appeared at the event, despite facing protests at home.
Other leaders in attendance included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, who was accompanied by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.
Firepower and pageantry
The 70-minute parade combined commemoration with a demonstration of strength. Fighter jets flew in formation across the Beijing sky, while hypersonic missiles, drones and advanced tanks rolled past the tribune. Troops marched in synchrony after weeks of midnight rehearsals.
Before delivering his speech, Xi reviewed the troops assembled in formation. Major roads and schools in Beijing were closed to ensure security and order for the large-scale event.
Casting China’s role
Xi has often described the Second World War as a defining moment in China’s modern history. In his remarks, he is expected to link the country’s wartime role with its present-day position as a major power in the international system.
Days earlier, at a regional summit, Xi called for resistance to “hegemonism and power politics,” a comment widely viewed as a reference to the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the parade, stressing his good relations with Xi but noting that “China needs us much more than we need them.”
Strategic dimensions
For Putin, the visit was an opportunity to reinforce energy cooperation with China at a time of sanctions from the West. Kim Jong Un, attending his first major multilateral event, gained international visibility, while his daughter Ju Ae made her debut abroad, prompting speculation about succession.
Their presence underlined how the parade extended beyond historical commemoration, reflecting current geopolitical alignments and shifting partnerships.
Security and preparation
The event followed weeks of extensive preparations. Local authorities mobilised large numbers of volunteers and Party members to maintain stability. Recruitment notices online pointed to the scale of security efforts.
“President Xi will use this opportunity to showcase how the military is clearly, unmistakably behind him,” said Wen-Ti Sung, fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.
Trump’s message on U.S. support
Trump had earlier told reporters he did not see the parade as a challenge to the U.S. and emphasized his "very good relationship" with Xi.
Troop inspection and traditional salute
Xi Jinping, standing through the roof of a black Hongqi car on Chang’an Avenue, began his inspection of thousands of troops lined in formation. Microphones fixed to the vehicle carried his voice as he exchanged traditional calls with the soldiers. “Hello comrades!” he called, to which they replied, “Hello Chairman!” He thanked them for their hard work, and they answered, “It’s to serve the people!” An officer reported the troops were “fully prepared,” and Xi gave the order to begin.
Xi’s message on peace and world leadership
Speaking to more than 50,000 spectators, Xi Jinping emphasized humanity’s critical choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, and win-win cooperation versus a zero-sum approach. He stated that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history” and called on the military to provide strategic support for the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” while contributing to global peace. Xi paid tribute to China’s sacrifices during World War II, highlighting the country’s role in defending world peace and human civilization.
China showcases advanced military hardware in parade
The parade in Beijing served as a strategic showcase of China's growing military power, revealing significant advancements across multiple domains. A key focus was on its nuclear deterrence and missile defense systems. This included the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile, a new variant capable of carrying up to 12 nuclear warheads, along with the JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile. For layered defense, the procession featured the naval HHQ-9C surface-to-air missile, the HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile system—which is comparable to the U.S. THAAD system and targets medium-range ballistic missiles and hypersonic threats—and the HQ-29, a high-altitude interceptor designed to engage ballistic missiles and satellites in orbit. The display also highlighted China's increasing anti-ship prowess with the YJ-21 anti-ship cruise missile and a new series of "YJ" (Ying Ji) missiles (YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20). The inclusion of unmanned underwater vehicles, such as the AQA010 and HSU100, underscored a strategic shift toward autonomous systems for future undersea warfare.
Military parade has concluded
The massive military parade has concluded, with thousands of participants waving red flags as President Xi Jinping applauded. The commemorative event ended with a performance of Ode to the Motherland, an unofficial national anthem, and the release of 80,000 doves over Tiananmen Square.
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