China held a massive military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, turning the commemoration into a demonstration of its growing military strength.
President Xi Jinping, speaking before a gathering of foreign dignitaries including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, highlighted China’s ambitions. “The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and the noble cause of peace and human development will surely prevail,” Xi said. He added, “Today, humanity once again faces a choice between peace or war, dialogue or conflict.”
A member of the People’s Liberation Army stands as the maritime operations group displays laser weapons during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
The parade showcased more than 10,000 troops, hundreds of tanks, and a wide array of modern weapons systems. In the skies above, over 100 aircraft, including J-35 fighter jets, H-6 bombers, and helicopters, formed the number “80” to commemorate the historic anniversary.
The spotlight, however, was on China’s latest intercontinental missile, the DF-5C, capable of carrying up to 12 nuclear warheads. Analysts interpreted the display as a clear signal of deterrence, highlighting Beijing’s intention to assert its military capabilities on the global stage.
Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand as unmanned aerial vehicles are displayed during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Members of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Assault Force stand on armoured vehicles during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
A member of the People’s Liberation Army stands as HQ-16C missiles are displayed during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Members of the People’s Armed Police march during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand as maritime operations group missiles are displayed during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Members of the People’s Armed Police march during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Members of the People’s Armed Police march during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
A member of the People’s Liberation Army stands as the maritime operations group displays YJ-15 anti-ship missiles during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand as an unmanned aerial vehicle is displayed during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Members of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Assault Force stand on armoured vehicles during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand as unmanned aerial vehicles are displayed during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand as the strategic strike group displays DF-31BJ missiles during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
A member of the People’s Liberation Army stands as the strategic strike group displays weaponry during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Soldiers march ahead of a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Go Nakamura. REFILE – CORRECTING time from “DURING” TO “AHEAD OF”.
A soldier marches by cannons ahead of a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Go Nakamura. REFILE – CORRECTING time from “DURING” TO “AHEAD OF”.
Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand as information operations group vehicles pass by in a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and heads of foreign delegations arrive for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China September 3, 2025. Sputnik/Sergey Bobylev/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
