China on Wednesday put on a striking display of its latest military technology during the Victory Day (V-Day) parade at Tiananmen Square, highlighting advances across its air, sea, and ground forces. The event, held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, also served as a demonstration of Beijing’s growing military sophistication and strategic ambition on the global stage.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe was among 26 invited Heads of State, making him one of only two African leaders in attendance. Other notable attendees included Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, reflecting the parade’s high-profile international significance.
A central feature of the parade was a formation of electronic countermeasure systems, showcasing five distinct types of equipment capable of aerial and space defence. These systems are designed to cut enemy communication networks and disrupt digital operations, highlighting China’s focus on cyber and information warfare as a key element of modern military strategy.
Complementing the electronic countermeasures, the Chinese army unveiled its anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, integrating missile-gun platforms with high-energy laser and high-power microwave technologies. Officials described these systems as a “powerful shield” against drone incursions, underscoring China’s preparedness to address emerging threats on both domestic and regional fronts.
China Showcases Cutting-Edge Military Capabilities During Victory Day Parade
Air defence systems dominated much of the display, with the HongQi-20, HongQi-19, and HongQi-29 missile systems taking centre stage. These multi-layered systems provide long-, medium-, and short-range interception capabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection across various aerial threats. Four additional types of carrier-based air defence equipment were showcased, aimed at offering all-range protection for China’s expanding naval fleet.
The parade also highlighted China’s hypersonic anti-ship missile arsenal, including the YingJi-19, YingJi-17, YingJi-20, and YingJi-15. These missiles, capable of traveling at extreme speeds that make interception difficult, signal Beijing’s intent to counter maritime threats and project power across regional waters, reinforcing its strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
On the ground, a formidable long-range artillery formation featuring 191 box-shaped rocket launchers demonstrated China’s ability to deliver tactical support and conduct battle-level strikes over extended distances. This display of firepower underscores the PLA’s readiness for rapid deployment and sustained operations in varied combat scenarios.
The parade also introduced China’s next generation of ground assault vehicles, including the Type-100 tanks and Type-100 fighting vehicles. These machines represent significant improvements in armour, mobility, and firepower, enhancing the Chinese army’s capabilities in land-based operations and combined arms engagements.
Observers noted that the parade was not merely ceremonial; it conveyed a strategic message to the international community about China’s growing military strength and technological innovation. The integration of cyber warfare tools, anti-drone systems, hypersonic missiles, and modernized ground forces reflects a comprehensive approach to national defence and regional power projection.
Security analysts also highlighted the geopolitical undertones of the event. By inviting leaders from Russia, North Korea, Belarus, and select African nations, Beijing reinforced existing strategic partnerships while signaling its role as a dominant military power. The parade showcased China’s readiness to defend its interests in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios, including cyberspace, maritime domains, and aerial combat.
The Victory Day parade further demonstrated the PLA’s emphasis on interoperability, advanced targeting, and multi-layered defence systems. From electronic countermeasures to sophisticated missile platforms and upgraded tanks, the event underscored China’s commitment to modernizing its military and preparing for future conflicts with advanced technological capabilities.
In conclusion, China’s Victory Day parade offered a vivid illustration of its comprehensive military modernization program. With advanced cyber warfare systems, anti-drone technologies, multi-layered air and naval defence, hypersonic missiles, and next-generation ground vehicles, Beijing sent a clear message of its growing strategic and technological capabilities. For both domestic and international audiences, the parade reaffirmed China’s intent to maintain a powerful, versatile, and technologically advanced military force capable of defending its interests across multiple domains.
Source- Herald
