China showcased an unprecedented lineup of military equipment in its Victory Day parade on Wednesday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. The parade, believed to be China’s biggest military parade ever, featured nuclear-capable missiles, hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, and robot units, reflecting Beijing’s increasing emphasis on the cutting-edge warfare technologies.
President Xi Jinping was accompanied by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, among other leaders from developing nations, marking Beijing’s bid to shake up the US-dominated world order.
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Hypersonic and Anti-Ship Missiles Dominate the Show
The parade boasted China’s rapidly improving missile technology, with a specific focus on hypersonic and anti-ship missiles. These weapons are meant to penetrate established defense networks and attack high-priority targets, which causes strategic concern for the US and its allies.
Missiles put on display were:
- YJ-15
- YJ-17
- YJ-19
- YJ-20
- YJ-21 (“carrier killer”)
- Dong Feng-17
- Dong Feng-26D
- Changjian-20A
- Yingji-18C
- Changjian-1000
- Nuclear-Capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
China debuted its first focused triad of nuclear-capable missiles, highlighting its capability to attack anywhere in the world from land, sea, and air.
ICBMs and nuclear weapons were showcased:
- Dong Feng-61
- Dong Feng-31BJ
- Dong Feng-5C (more than 20,000 km range, up to 12 warheads)
- JL-1 (first nuclear missile to be launched from an airplane)
- JL-3
- Advanced Naval, Space, and Robotic Systems
The parade also showcased new technology for future warfare, from submarine drones to laser defense systems and smart combat systems.
Other showcased equipment:
- Sea drones: AJX002 and other XLUUVs (up to 60ft, stealth, pump-jet propulsion)
- HQ-29 space defense system (anti-satellite features)
- Ship-based laser weapons (directed energy systems for air defense)
- High-power microwave weapons and gun missiles (anti-drone launchers)
- Airborne fighter jets and bombers in formation
- Formation-flying helicopters that spell out “80” to commemorate the WWII anniversary
- Mounted robot dogs on armored vehicles (for battlefield scouting or combat)
The procession included a combination of ceremonial symbolism and high-technology display, such as 80-gun salutes, 80,000 doves released, and multi-colored streaked jet exhaust trails. Xi Jinping, saluting from the sunroof of a limousine, spoke to the gathered troops and military equipment, threatening that the world has only the choice of “peace and war.
With its history-making showcase of military cutting-edge technology, China announced its intention to project global power and deter external nations while showcasing unparalleled technological prowess in land, sea, air, and space domains.
