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SCMP Reporters

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing with a special discount during our summer sale, available for a limited time and to new subscribers only.
China has hosted a massive military parade along Changan Avenue in central Beijing, showcasing the country’s latest and most advanced weapons to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.


President Xi Jinping delivered a speech from the Tiananmen rostrum and then inspected the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops from a parade car. It was the third major military parade in Tiananmen Square that Xi is overseeing as president.
World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were seated on the rostrum, along with serving and former top officials and generals.
Reporting by Josephine Ma, Dewey Sim, Yuanyue Dang, Enoch Wong, Vincent Choi, Alcott Wei, Richard Zhang, Holly Chik, Xinlu Liang, Amber Wang and Eugene Lee
More from our coverage:
– The Red Arsenal: inside China’s cutting-edge weapon systems
– The Front Line: taking stock of China’s military modernisation
– After the War: 80 years on from the end of World War II


China’s unmanned Moyujian strike helicopter is ready for plateau combat tests

Is China’s rapid progress in anti-submarine drones adding to concerns of Japan, US?

Chinese military issues new rules to ‘prioritise strict political discipline’

China’s scandal-hit weapons firms drag down regional sales in record-breaking year

China military reform

China parades new weapons in show of ‘strategic ace’ deterrence – as it happened

The nuclear missile formation is on show at China’s military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua

News

China

Overseeing his third major military parade, Xi Jinping speaks to the nation and assembled world leaders before inspecting the troops


Overseeing his third major military parade, Xi Jinping speaks to the nation and assembled world leaders before inspecting the troops.


China's military weapons

China’s military

Xi Jinping

Live

It’s been an early start for the media, with reporters and photographers arriving in central Beijing at 3.45am for security checks before boarding buses to Tiananmen Square. By 5.20am, they were gathered in the square along with residents who have been selected from across Beijing to attend today’s spectacle. Several residents from Changping district said they had to go through a rigorous application and approval process to attend the parade.
“It’s such a rare and precious opportunity to witness this,” one resident says.

By 6am, there were already tens of thousands of people gathered in the square – from volunteers to medical workers, security guards, the media and residents – while peace doves were kept in trucks nearby.
Meanwhile, last-minute rehearsals are taking place.



Early start in Beijing

Ahead of the parade, foreign heads of state are entering the rostrum from the northern gate of Tiananmen Square on a red carpet, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
CCTV commentators are detailing China’s friendship with each of the countries, including that North Korea is a friendly neighbour for China and that their two countries have supported each other in an anti-fascist war and have maintained communication through various means.
Other guests seen arriving include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his daughter, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.




Heads of state arrive

As they make their way to the rostrum, Xi Jinping, flanked by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, Xi shakes hands with war veterans including one from the Kuomintang.
Beijing has said it invited KMT veterans to attend the parade, acknowledging the important role they played in the fight against Japan.
Beijing has criticised authorities from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party for blocking these veterans and other Taiwanese from attending the event, saying it is a betrayal of shared history in which people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait fought together against Japanese aggression.



Xi greets war veterans

Chinese President Xi Jinping is arriving for the parade.
Xi, in a grey Mao suit, and his wife Peng Liyuan are seen welcoming international guests before walking with leaders down the red carpet, with Russian President Vladimir Putin on his right and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his left.
The three are seen sharing a conversation, noted by CCTV commentators. It is the first time that Kim, Xi and Putin – all key rivals of the US – have gathered at the same venue. Xi and Kim are smiling as the group walks down the red carpet.



Putin and Kim accompany Xi to Tiananmen Gate

China is preparing to mark 80 years from the end of World War II. Read our special series marking the 80th anniversary of China’s Victory Day in which we delve into the largely forgotten history of the Chinese theatre of war and explore how the post-war global order has shaped modern China.




80 years on from WWII

See how China’s military parades since 2015 compare in metrics such as number of troops involved, equipment on show and foreign leaders attending.






Parade comparison

In Tiananmen Square, a military band and choir are performing songs about China’s war against the Japanese army against two big signs marking 1945 and 2025, signifying the 80th anniversary.
They wrap up their performance with the song “Without the Communist Party there is no modern China”.






Commemoration begins

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu heads a delegation of 300 who are attending the military parade, cultural gala and official reception. They include senior officials, lawmakers, judicial figures and district councillors, according to the Hong Kong government. The delegation also includes war veterans and their families, along with representatives from business, education, tech, media, religious, arts, sports, youth and civic groups.



Hong Kong delegation

President Xi Jinping’s speech is expected to provide Beijing’s view of post-World War II world order, and possibly some takes on the future development of the PLA, especially with less than two years before the “centennial goals” to achieve modernisation are due to be achieved.
In his speech 10 years ago, Xi emphasised China’s tragic sacrifices during the second world war, calling on all countries to “jointly uphold the international order and international system with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter at its core”.
He also announced a reduction of 300,000 troops in the PLA at the time.
Today, the president’s speech will be closely watched for any signal from Xi about Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing considers part of its territory and has not given up on using force, if necessary, to achieve reunification.
Most countries, including Taiwan’s main arms supplier the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent nation. However, Washington opposes any attempt to alter the status quo by force and remains committed to providing Taiwan with arms.



What will Xi speak on?

Xi Jinping, again flanked by Putin and Kim, appears at the top of the rostrum. Retired Politburo Standing Committee members, including former premier Wen Jiabao, former vice-presidents Wang Qishan and Zeng Qinghong are attending.
Former president Hu Jintao, who was beside Xi at the last Victory Day parade, and former premier Zhu Rongji are absent from proceedings.


Xi at the rostrum

The centre of the Chinese capital is locked down for the military parade.




Traffic control

Xi begins his speech by saying it is an occasion to honour history and to look forward to the future. He pays tribute to the veterans, comrades and patriots who contributed to the war victory. He also welcomes world leaders who are attending the parade.
He says the war against Japanese aggression was China’s first complete victory in modern history. And history reminds us that different countries should work together to prevent the recurrence of tragedy.
Xi says the world now faces again the question of dialogue or confrontation and peace or war. The Chinese people, he says, firmly stand on the right side of history.
The Chinese leader incorporates elements of his mottos in his speech such as the shared destiny of humanity and that there should not be a zero-sum gain in foreign relations. He also mentions the importance for Chinese to follow Marxism, socialism and the Communist Party.
He wraps up his short speech with the proclamation that the Chinese renaissance cannot be resisted and that the peaceful development of humanity will definitely win out.



Chinese on right side of history, Xi says

China’s military has undergone a dramatic modernisation programme since President Xi Jinping took power in 2013. Take a closer look at changes to its weapon systems, which could play a key role in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea and other geopolitical hot spots.




The Red Arsenal

Xi says the People’s Liberation Army has always been a heroic army that the party and people can rely on. He calls for officers and soldiers to faithfully fulfill their sacred duties and accelerate the building of world-class armed forces to safeguard national sovereignty, unity and contribution to world peace and development.


‘Heroic’ PLA

Xi is about to survey the PLA and China’s armaments. In this series on China’s military modernisation, we assess changes, challenges and progress under its ambitious drive to match the best forces in the world.




Military progress

US President Donald Trump has posted on Truth Social asking if Xi Jinping has mentioned the contribution and sacrifices of the United States in the war against the Japanese, although he did not name Japan.
“The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive support and ‘blood’ that the United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly invader,” he writes, adding that many Americans died in China’s quest for “Victory and Glory”.
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against the United States of America,” he added. He did not mention Iran.



Is Trump watching live?

Various land-based weapon systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and missile systems are seen on the street in the background as Xi greets troops. They include the newly unveiled DF-61 and DF-31BJ intercontinental ballistic missiles, JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile and the JL-1 air-based missile.
The DF-61 is making its first appearance in the military parade and is believed to be China’s most advanced ICBM after the DF-41, which is currently in service. It is anticipated to be part of the PLA Rocket Force’s long-range missile operations.

The JL-3, a new third-generation, intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile, crucial for sea-based nuclear deterrence operations, designed to be carried by the Type 094 and the future Type 096 nuclear-powered submarines. With a reported operational range of over 10,000km (6,214 miles), the JL-3 can carry three multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles.
The DF-31BJ has also been rolled out – the newest road-mobile variant of the DF-31 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile. It is thought to be an upgrade of the DF-31AG, currently the most advanced variant of the DF-31 series, which has a reported operational range of more than 11,200km (6,959 miles) and was test-launched in September last year – China’s first nuclear missile test in 44 years.


New missiles

The commander-in-chief of this military parade is Lieutenant General Han Shengyan, commander of the Central Theatre Command Air Force.
Han saluted President Xi Jinping and requested the start of the military parade, which Xi approved.
The parade itself is commanded by a general, who, at the beginning the parade, rides in a car behind the president’s to inspect the formations in static form.
Being the commander-in-chief of a military parade is usually a sign of importance, but his name was not announced before this parade.


Commander-in-chief of parade

Unlike 10 years ago, military units that link today’s PLA with its revolutionary roots are not marching formations, but present their names in flags which soldiers hold and pass the Tiananmen Square.
They include the Hundred Regiments Campaign Bayonet Combat Company, which refers to the largest Chinese offensive against Japan during World War II.
These company names underscore the Communist Party narrative about China’s role in the victory against fascism, a central theme of the commemorations.


Revolutionary roots

While President Xi Jinping is watching the parade with leaders from a number of other countries, including Russia, North Korea and Iran, there will not be any foreign troops taking part in the spectacle.
Unlike previous World War II commemorations, the march-past is exclusively Chinese this year.
During the 70th anniversary parade in 2015, nearly 1,000 soldiers from 17 countries marched through Tiananmen Square.


No foreign troops

Formations representing various military branches are being inspected, including the PLA Army, Navy and Air Force, the Joint Logistics Support Force and the Rocket Force – described by state broadcaster CCTV as the nuclear deterrent underpinning Chinas “great power status”.
Also featured are three newly established branches, including the Aerospace Force set up last year tasked with “utilising” space capabilities. CCTV states that this will provide “strategic support for building a space power”. The Cyberspace Force is also taking part, with CCTV saying it helps China “resolutely safeguard cybersecurity and firmly defend cybersovereignty”.
The Information Support Force is also represented, with CCTV saying it will empower “winning informationised and intelligent warfare”.
China’s People’s Armed Police is also taking part. The PAP is responsible for maintaining social and regime stability, and conducting counterterrorism activities.



PLA branches inspected

The Type 99B main battle tank has made a debut. It’s the latest variant of China’s third-generation tanks, the Type 99 series. The 99A version weighs 55 tonnes and uses 125mm-calibre guns. It also has active protection systems, including a defensive laser to target both ground vehicles and helicopters. The Type 99A has been used in military exercises in high-altitude terrain such as the Tibetan plateau near China’s disputed border with India.
The Type 99B variant was reportedly spotted last September with two APS projectile launchers and four fire control radars, designed to intercept and destroy threats, including drones.



99B Tank

We’ve just seen the PHL-16, also known as the PCL-191, a multiple rocket launcher. It’s referred to as the mainland Chinese version of Lockheed Martin’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars) that Taiwan has bought and deployed. The PHL-16 is thought to play a significant role in potential contingencies in the Taiwan Strait for its long-range strike abilities.



China’s Himars

The newly unveiled YJ-15 has also made an appearance. This is an anti-ship missile system that is thought to be a ramjet-powered weapon. It is designed for high-speed missions to provide a rapid-strike capability against enemy ships.
And for the first time on show is the YJ-19, a scramjet-powered hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile. There is little known about this system, but it is believed to be a hypersonic weapon, possibly a glide vehicle.
The YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile is also making its debut in the parade. This missile can deliver a precision strike against large surface combatants while manoeuvring in-flight to evade interception. It is a unique hybrid missile system that reportedly combines the speed of a ballistic missile with the aerodynamic manoeuvring of a cruise missile. It is thought to be a new kind of “aircraft carrier killer”, designed to engage both naval and land targets.



‘Carrier killer’ and other missiles

Also on show is the HQ-11, a mobile short-to-medium-range air defence system. Also known by the export designation FM-3000, this system is designed for terminal point defence, combining a vertical launch missile battery LD-3000 with a close-in weapon system. It has an engagement range of 30km against aircraft and 20km against missiles.


HQ-11 air defence system

Another newly revealed anti-ballistic missile system is on show, the HQ-29. This is believed to be a high-altitude interceptor designed to counter ballistic missiles during their midcourse flight when they travel outside the Earth’s atmosphere and also to counter satellites in low-Earth orbit. Its role is similar to that of the US Navy’s SM-3 interceptor. This is a key part of China’s expanding missile defence and anti-access/area-denial capabilities.



HQ-29 for countering ballistic missiles

Appearing for the first time is the HQ-20 air defence system. It appears to have an eight-wheel transporter erector launcher that can carry at least eight interceptors. And it has a similar design to the HQ-9 system but with smaller interceptors.
The HQ-22A has also made an appearance. It’s a variant of the HQ-22 medium-to-long-range air defence system. It has an operational range of up to 170km (105 miles) and can engage a variety of aerial targets including aircraft, missiles and drones. Details of this variant have not been made public but it is likely to have improved electronic counter-countermeasures and expanded target engagement capabilities.
Also seen for the first time is the HQ-9C, a variant of the HQ-9 long-range semi-active radar homing surface-to-air missile. It is believed to be an upgrade to the HQ-9B. The HQ-9 series is based on Russia’s S-300 system and has a maximum range of more than 250km (155 miles).
Also on show is the HQ-19, an anti-ballistic missile and anti-satellite variant of the HQ-9 system. Comparable to the US THAAD system (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence), the HQ-19 is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles in their midcourse and terminal phases. The missile uses a kinetic vehicle for a hit-to-kill intercept with a flight altitude of up to 200km (124 miles), making it a key part of China’s strategic defence.


Air defence systems

China is now displaying the new CJ-1000 long-range hypersonic cruise missile. While little information is publicly available, it is believed to have a similar design to the DF-100 unveiled in October 2019, with a range of several thousand kilometres in between intermediate and intercontinental ballistic missiles, making it suitable for strategic long-range strike capability.



CJ-1000 long-range hypersonic cruise missile

The GJ-11 has made an appearance. This is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed for precision strikes and aerial reconnaissance missions. It features a stealthy design with a tailless flying wing and two internal weapons bays.
This drone will probably be teamed up with crewed aircraft – a concept illustrated by a computer-generated graphic featuring a twin-seat J-20 fighter jet that was shown on state broadcaster CCTV in 2022.
In its parade commentary, CCTV referred to the drones as “loyal wingmen”.
GJ-11 chief designer Deng Shuai told state-run Global Times in 2023 that the drone “acts as both a sensor and an ammunition depot, as well as an intelligent assistant for pilots”. He said it had earned the “loyal wingman” moniker because it flew alongside crewed aircraft “like an armed bodyguard”.


‘Loyal wingmen’

The PLA Rocket Force has just revealed its new DF-26D, a variant of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile. It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and reportedly has a range of up to 5,000km (3,107 miles).
It’s been dubbed the “Guam Killer” since it could be used to target US military bases in Guam that could play a key role in a Taiwan Strait conflict. The DF-26D is considered to be an anti-ship ballistic missile, possibly designed to target US naval assets in the western Pacific.
We’ve just seen the DF-17. This is a solid-fuel, road-mobile, medium-range ballistic missile that carries a DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle. This system is designed to defeat layered missile defences through its high-speed and unpredictable flight path. The DF-17 has a reported operational range of 1,800km (1,118 miles) to 2,500km (1,553 miles) and can reach speeds of between Mach 5 and Mach 10.
Also appearing is the YJ-21, a hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile. This missile, deployed on the Type 055 destroyer and the H-6K bomber, can be launched from both sea and the air. It reportedly can reach speeds of Mach 6 to Mach 10 and has an operational range of about 1,500km (930 miles).



DF-26D anti-ship ballistic missile

Both the army and navy are showcasing unmanned systems for the first time.
The army’s unmanned systems include reconnaissance-strike and assault vehicles capable of performing “diverse military tasks”, alongside unmanned vehicles for mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and path-clearing operations. Unmanned support vehicles can transport ammunition and evacuate casualties.
Naval systems on show include new unmanned submersibles, unmanned surface vessels, and unmanned mine-laying systems.



Army and navy drones

The DF-5C is also rolling through. This has only recently been unveiled and is an upgraded variant of China’s first intercontinental ballistic missile, the silo-based DF-5 series with a range more than 13,000km (8,078 miles). The DF-5C is believed to have capacity to carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle warheads.



The new DF-5C

The latest variants of the J-20 have made an appearance. These are the twin-seat J-20S, which can be used to control combat drones, and the J-20A with improved engines. Also seen are the J-35A, the land-based variant of China’s second fifth-generation fighter jet, and the naval J-35, which was unveiled at the Zhuhai air show in November. Its internal weapons bays accommodate six air-to-air missiles, while it has a payload of 8 tonnes.



Twin-seat J-20S

We’ve just seen the the KJ-500A and KJ-600, China’s latest generation of airborne early warning aircraft. The KJ-500A improves on the KJ-500 through aerial refuelling capacity and more efficient radar electronics.
The aircraft uses a Y-9 airframe and can track 100 targets while networking with other platforms. With more than 60 in service, it forms the PLA’s frontline surveillance fleet.
Making its parade debut, the KJ-600 is China’s first carrier-based AWACS aircraft, purpose-built for the Type 003 Fujian carrier. Its quad-tail and dorsal radar dome echo the US Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye design. The aircraft offers carrier groups long-range situational awareness over 1,200km.



Airborne early warning aircraft

The Y-20A military transport aircraft and its upgraded Y-20B variant – key assets in the PLA’s strategic airlift capability – are seen in a joint formation. The Y-20A is the initial production model, powered by Russian-made D-30KP-2 engines, while the Y-20B is a more advanced version equipped with domestically produced WS-20 turbofan engines.



Transport planes

The four new high-speed stealth drones unveiled during the parade are characterised by their larger size, enhanced stealth capabilities and multifunctionality, according to a military blogger named Korolev on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
“The outside world can clearly perceive China’s ‘explosive progress’ in the field of combat drones,” he wrote.
“The value of combat drones has long been recognised by various countries, as they can operate alongside manned aircraft to perform airspace search, deterrence and attack missions.
“With deep integration of artificial intelligence, they can achieve millimetre-level multidimensional information processing, autonomously perceive comprehensive situations and make rapid decisions.
“This not only significantly reduces risks for pilots but also enhances the cost-effectiveness of operations, making them ‘multipliers’ of future aerial power,” he said, citing the US military’s programmes to develop unmanned aerial combat vehicles and collaborative combat aircraft.


Military blogger weighs in

New types of AI-equipped drones appear in the unmanned aerial combat formation.
These include reconnaissance-strike integrated drones, uncrewed wingmen, uncrewed air combat aircraft, and shipborne uncrewed helicopters.
These systems can carry out stealth strikes, cover a wide area coverage and form autonomous swarms.



New drones

On display are the new H-6J, a modern naval variant of the H-6 long-range bomber, modified from the H-6K variant to be used for the PLA Navy Air Force’s maritime strike force, designed to replace the older H-6G model. The H-6J features a new airframe with upgraded engines and avionics, and armed with supersonic YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missiles.



H-6J long-range bomber

To end the parade, 80,000 peace doves and balloons are released into Tiananmen Square.




Peace doves and balloons

Chinese military commentator Bai Mengchen says China’s latest extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs) are ideal for the country to counter threats in the deep sea, given the lessons of the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage.
“There was considerable interest in the several XLUUVs showcased, as their size suggests their strong capabilities to operate in deep sea,” Bai said during Phoenix TV’s live coverage of the parade.
“The deep sea is a cutting-edge area of multi-domain operations, attracting considerable attention. Previous experiences like the Nord Stream sabotage reminds us to be vigilant in this domain.”



Interest in China’s deep-sea drones

The air formations during the event show that Chinese strategic bombers now can strike further thanks to the aerial refuelling ability of the PLA’s YY-20, military commentator Bai Mengchen says.
“Large aircraft, including those carrying heavier ammunition, often take off with only a small amount of fuel. With the refuelling ability, these airplanes can strike further and perform more missions,” he said during Phoenix TV’s coverage of the parade.


Aircraft ‘can strike further’

Four types of carrier-based aircraft have been on show, including the J-35 and J-15T.
According to state news agency Xinhua, the J-15T can take off using either a catapult or ski-jump launch system. The J-15DT is an electronic warfare carrier-based aircraft that can also launch using either system.
The J-35, the latest stealth carrier-based fighter, “is a landmark piece of equipment for the navy’s transition from near-sea defence to far-sea defence”, Xinhua says.
The J-15DH, J-15DT and J-35 were all independently developed by China, Xinhua says.
CCTV’s live broadcast indicates that China’s carrier-based aircraft have achieved “multi-aircraft coordination”.
The carrier-based aircraft formation is operated by China’s first carrier-based aviation brigade, Xinhua says.


Carrier-based aircraft

Military blogger Ma Yan says the upgraded intercontinental ballistic missile DF-5C sends the message that “China’s strategic deterrence is credible, reliable and sufficient”.
The DF-5C can reportedly carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle warheads, “meaning that a single missile can target 10 different locations at the same time”, she says on Chinese social media.
The missile can target “the enemy’s military bases and critical facilities”, and adjust the order of strikes.
“The DF-5C, although launched from fixed silos, has a longer range and a single warhead yield reaching millions of tonnes, primarily designed to target underground facilities and missile silos,” Ma says.
“Its existence strengthens our nuclear deterrent strategy, ensuring effective retaliatory strikes, even under the harshest war conditions.”
CCTV narration said the strike range of this model “covers the entire globe”.



Deterrence ‘credible, reliable, sufficient’

The PLA’s first air-launched nuclear missile, the JL-1, has been unveiled atop a military truck. This model is significantly smaller than the JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile, which is on show.
CCTV says that these two missiles, along with the DF-61 and DF-31, represent the “first concentrated display” of the PLA’s “land, sea and air triad strategic nuclear forces”, constituting a “strategic ace for safeguarding national sovereignty and defending national dignity”.



Nuclear ‘strategic ace’ missiles

Here are the key takeaways from today’s military parade in Beijing.
For further reading, see our Red Arsenal weapons databank. And stay tuned to the South China Morning Post for further analysis and news on the Victory Day events.


China parades new weapons in show of ‘strategic ace’ deterrence – as it happened

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Overseeing his third major military parade, Xi Jinping speaks to the nation and assembled world leaders before inspecting the troops

Overseeing his third major military parade, Xi Jinping speaks to the nation and assembled world leaders before inspecting the troops