China Marks WWII Victory With Grand Military Parade

China will hold a grand military parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The event, expected to showcase China’s latest military technology and weaponry, will feature ground troops marching in formation, armored columns, aerial echelons, and other high-tech fighting gear. President Xi Jinping will inspect troops in Tiananmen Square, according to Wu Zeke, an official at China’s military commission.

The parade marks a significant milestone in China’s history, honoring the millions of Chinese people who lost their lives during the prolonged war with imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the event, underscoring the importance of international solidarity and remembrance. Other world leaders are also anticipated to join the commemorations.

The event will feature “new types of combat forces including unmanned, intelligent equipment,” according to state news agency Xinhua. Chinese-made, high-precision equipment ready to fight the “battles of the future” will be showcased, demonstrating the People’s Liberation Army’s strong ability to adapt to technological trends and evolving warfare. The parade will include hypersonic weapons and advanced electronic systems, highlighting China’s military modernization efforts.

The military parade aims to rally the entire country in shared patriotic spirit around the party and Xi Jinping, bringing “the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” even closer. Wu Zeke emphasized that the event would showcase China’s latest military capabilities, signaling the country’s growing military strength and ambitions. This display of military might is also seen as a message to the international community, particularly regarding Taiwan and regional power dynamics.

The parade’s timing is notable, coming less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump hosted the largest American military parade in decades on his 79th birthday. The event reflects China’s continued efforts to assert its military presence and technological advancements on the global stage. By commemorating its wartime resistance and showcasing its military capabilities, China aims to reinforce its position as a major world power.