China Marks 80th Anniversary of Victory with Grand Military Parade, Showcases Defense Modernization and Peace Commitment​​

Beijing, September 3, 2025 — China held a grand military parade at Tiananmen Square on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the troops and delivered a keynote address emphasizing China’s unwavering commitment to peace and global justice.
The parade, which lasted approximately 70 minutes, featured 45 formations and aerial echelons, including marching contingents, armored columns, and advanced aircraft. All equipment displayed was domestically developed and currently in active service, highlighting China’s strides in defense technology and self-reliance. Notably, the event integrated traditional main battle forces with new-domain capabilities such as unmanned intelligent systems, underwater combat units, cyber-electronic warfare forces, and hypersonic weapons.
​​Key Highlights of the Parade:​​
1.Historical Tribute and International Participation:​​ The parade honored the sacrifices of over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties during the war. Foreign leaders from 26 countries, including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, attended the event, underscoring global solidarity in upholding postwar peace and order .
2.New-Generation Equipment:​​ The display emphasized joint operational capabilities, featuring strategic strike systems, advanced tactical equipment, and emerging units designed for future warfare. Platforms like stealth aircraft, anti-drone systems, and next-generation missiles were unveiled for the first time, reflecting the military’s focus on informatization and intelligent warfare .
3.​​Peacekeeping Contributions:​​ Troops with United Nations peacekeeping experience participated, aligning with China’s role as a staunch defender of international stability. Over the past 35 years, China has deployed more than 50,000 peacekeepers to over 20 countries and regions .
4.​​Symbolic Formations:​​ The parade included a special contingent of veterans from the Kuomintang and Communist Party, acknowledging their shared contributions during the war. A militia formation, drawn from 15 provinces, also made its debut in a victory-themed parade .
​​Global Reactions and Significance:​​
International media outlets, including CNN and Reuters, noted the parade’s dual message: showcasing China’s military modernization while reaffirming its dedication to peaceful development. Experts highlighted China’s critical role as the Eastern Front of the global anti-fascist struggle, which significantly weakened Japanese militarism and contributed to the Allied victory.
In his speech, President Xi called for continued international cooperation to build a "community with a shared future for mankind," echoing the theme of "Remembering History, Honoring Heroes, Cherishing Peace, and Creating the Future". The event concluded with a evening gala at the Great Hall of the People, featuring artistic performances that depicted historical moments and celebrated contemporary peace.
This parade, the first since China embarked on its journey toward comprehensive modernization, served as a powerful testament to the nation’s resilience, innovation, and vision for global stability.