China Showcases Military Might in Beijing Parade

From hypersonic missiles to underwater drones, China unveils a powerful arsenal in its largest parade in decades, with Xi, Putin, and Kim showing a united front against U.S. pressure.

China, PUREWILAYAH.COM - China demonstrated its expanding military might on Wednesday with an unprecedented display of advanced weaponry in the heart of Beijing, as part of a grand parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan in what it calls the “Japanese War of Aggression.”

The event, staged at Tiananmen Square, brought together Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un — a symbolic show of unity amid ongoing friction with Washington.

Showcasing Strategic Missile Power

One of the most notable unveilings was the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a colossal, liquid-fuelled nuclear weapon from the “Dongfeng” series, capable of striking any location on Earth, according to China’s Global Times. Mounted on camouflaged military transporters, the missiles were presented as part of China’s nuclear deterrent.

The parade also featured four new anti-ship missiles — the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 — each several meters long and designed to deliver crippling blows to large naval vessels.

The “YJ” designation stands for Ying Ji or “eagle strike,” with some models believed to possess hypersonic capability, enabling them to travel at least five times the speed of sound.

Dominance in Unmanned Systems

China’s rapidly advancing unmanned military technology was also on full display. Two extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs) — the AJX002 and the HSU100 — were showcased.

Defense analysts believe the AJX002 is designed for reconnaissance, while the HSU100 may have a minelaying role. Naval experts note that China now leads the world in XLUUV development, with at least five types already operational.

On land and sea, unmanned vehicles played a prominent role in the parade, with surface drones likely intended for mine warfare and optionally crewed navigation. The aerial segment included a diverse range of drones for reconnaissance, logistics, and evacuation.

Radar and Surveillance Capabilities

Radar and early warning systems formed another key highlight. Several advanced radar platforms were paraded, alongside aircraft fitted with state-of-the-art detection technology.

Making its debut was the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, tailored for carrier operations and expected to be deployed aboard the PLA Navy’s newest carrier, Fujian, in the coming months.

Xi Jinping’s Message: “China is Unstoppable”

Addressing a crowd of over 50,000, Xi warned that the world faced a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation.

Without naming the United States directly, he condemned “bullying behaviour” by certain countries and declared that China stood “on the right side of history” and was “unstoppable.”

Following his speech, Xi toured the parade in an open-top vehicle, saluting troops as columns of tanks, armored vehicles, drones, stealth fighters, and newly unveiled weapons systems rolled past.

The parade also carried a geopolitical message — positioning China, Russia, and North Korea as aligned powers in the face of Western dominance. Kim’s presence was particularly notable, marking his first public appearance alongside both Xi and Putin, and only his second documented overseas trip in six years. (PW)

Source: Al-Mayadeen