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On September 3, 2025, Beijing’s Tiananmen Square turned into the centre of one of the decade’s most significant military and political showcases—the China Victory Day military parade. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, but this year’s event went far beyond remembrance.
With global leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un standing alongside Xi, and state-of-the-art weapons rolling past thousands of spectators, the parade was as much about geopolitical messaging as it was about history.
- What the Victory Day Parade represents
- This article will walk you through:
- Key highlights of the 2025 edition
- The weapons showcased
- Global reactions, especially from the U.S.
Why this matters for China’s domestic and international image
What Is the China Victory Day Military Parade?
The Victory Day parade is held to mark the end of World War II and China’s role in defeating Japanese occupation. Since 2014, this event has become an opportunity for China to:
- Showcase military modernization under the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)
- Strengthen national pride and unity
- Send a diplomatic message to the world about its growing influence
Every decade or milestone anniversary, China turns this into a global event, drawing foreign leaders and media attention from across the globe.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Parade
Global Leaders in Attendance
This year’s event grabbed international headlines because of the unprecedented presence of Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un together on the same stage.
- Their unity was widely interpreted as a signal to the West, particularly the United States, that an alternative axis of power is rising.
- Leaders from several Asian countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, and the Maldives, were also present, adding to the diplomatic weight of the occasion.
Advanced Weapons on Display
The china victory day military parade was not only about speeches but also about raw military capability. Among the highlights:
- Hypersonic missiles capable of evading traditional defense systems
- AI-driven drones and robotic systems designed for next-generation warfare
- DF-61 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) with extended range and precision
- Underwater drones showcasing China’s focus on maritime dominance
Each weapon displayed was a carefully chosen piece of China’s narrative: technological superiority, readiness, and deterrence.
Xi Jinping’s Powerful Message
During the ceremony, President Xi Jinping delivered a strong message, declaring that “China will never be intimidated by bullies.” This statement was widely interpreted as a direct reference to the United States. In his address, Xi highlighted two key points:
- The pursuit of global peace, while making it clear that true security must be built on strength.
- China’s path of national rejuvenation and its unstoppable rise
- A call for nations to embrace “win-win cooperation” instead of falling into the trap of zero-sum confrontation.
This speech was designed to balance domestic pride with international assertiveness.
Geopolitical Implications
Signal to the United States
The parade was a clear challenge to U.S. influence in Asia. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Putin and Kim, Xi projected a united anti-Western bloc.
Not long after, former U.S. President Donald Trump responded, sharply criticizing the event and accusing China, Russia, and North Korea of creating a dangerous power bloc aimed at challenging American influence.. He also reminded the world of America’s role in supporting China during WWII—a reminder of historical context and current rivalry.
Domestic Nationalism
Beyond global optics, the event reinforced the Chinese Communist Party’s legitimacy at home.
- Citizens witnessed their country’s growing strength on live broadcasts.
- The CCP positioned itself as the guardian of national pride, historical memory, and future security.
This dual strategy—global messaging and domestic reinforcement—is at the heart of China’s modern propaganda approach.
Why This Parade Matters Globally
Factor Why It Matters
Military Modernization Shows that China is now capable of competing with NATO powers.
Alliance Building Presence of Putin and Kim hints at a strategic power bloc.
Symbolism Blending history with modern strength sends a strong narrative.
Message to Rivals U.S. and its allies must re-think strategies in Asia-Pacific.
FAQ Section
Q1: What does the China Victory Day military parade commemorate?
The Victory Day parade itself commemorates the end of World War II, marking Japan’s surrender and honoring China’s significant role in achieving the Allied victory.
Q2: Why were Putin and Kim Jong Un present?
Their attendance symbolized a united front of non-Western powers, amplifying China’s message of strength.
Q3: What cutting-edge military technology was showcased in the 2025 parade?
Hypersonic missiles, AI drones, DF-61 ICBMs, and naval combat drones were among the highlights.
Q4: How did the U.S. respond?
Donald Trump criticized the parade, framing it as a propaganda event against the West and highlighting America’s past role in WWII.
Q5: Is this event only about history?
No. While rooted in WWII remembrance, it is equally about modern power projection and geopolitical influence.