China has unveiled a new generation of nuclear missiles, hypersonic weapons, and cutting-edge drones in a major military parade in Beijing, with President Xi Jinping flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
The event, staged in Tiananmen Square to mark the end of the Second World War, was the Chinese leader’s third parade, equalling the number hosted by his three immediate predecessors combined.
Nuclear Missiles on Display
For the first time, China revealed the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a two-stage, liquid-fuelled system capable of carrying up to 12 nuclear warheads. The missile is reported to have global reach, able to hit targets across Western Europe and the United States.
Hypersonic anti-ship missiles, including the Yingji-19, Yingji-17 and Yingji-20, were also paraded. These weapons have previously been tested against replicas of US aircraft carriers, underlining China’s focus on countering American naval power.
Drones and Laser Systems
Unmanned systems also featured prominently. The AJX002 underwater drone, shaped like a narrow submarine, was among the highlights. China also displayed ship-launched unmanned helicopters and an array of sea-based platforms including submarines, surface vessels and mine-laying systems.
In another debut, the LY-1 laser defence system was mounted on an HZ-155 armoured vehicle. Chinese state media described it as the “world’s most powerful” laser weapon.
New Military Units
Marching troops included traditional People’s Liberation Army (PLA) navy and army formations, but also newly created branches. A cyberspace unit responsible for cyber defence took part, alongside the information support force, established in 2024 to build advanced network systems for combat readiness.
This was China’s first large-scale parade since 2019, marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic.
Leaders in Attendance
The most notable image from the day was not only the weaponry but the presence of Xi, Putin and Kim standing together. European leaders were largely absent, though Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko attended alongside counterparts from Africa, Asia and South America. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto were also present.
Xi addressed a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators, declaring that the Chinese people would “never be intimidated by any bullies” and urging nations to choose “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation”.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump criticised the event from afar, posting on Truth Social that America’s sacrifices in securing China’s freedom during the Second World War should be properly honoured.
A Show of Strength
The parade was designed to demonstrate China’s growing military capabilities at a time of strained relations with the West. With nuclear-capable missiles, hypersonic weapons, underwater drones and laser systems revealed for the first time, the display signalled Beijing’s intent to showcase its global reach and modernised armed forces.
