China recently held a grand military parade showcasing its latest weaponry, coinciding with a diplomatic display of solidarity between three authoritarian leaders: Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Kim Jong Un of North Korea. The event took place in Tiananmen Square, featuring soldiers in sharply pressed uniforms and an impressive array of military technology, including advanced drones, lasers, and a variety of missiles.
According to a retired Australian army major general, the significance of the parade reflected China’s evolution into a self-sufficient military power, no longer reliant on foreign nations for its arsenal. Notable weapons on display included the Jinglei-1 long-range missile, the submarine-launched Julang-3, and several intercontinental missiles like the Dongfeng-61 and Dongfeng-31, capable of reaching targets across the globe. The new DF-61 missile, launched from mobile platforms, boasts a striking range that allows it to target places like Washington, D.C., and major Australian cities.
The parade characterised a “triad of strategic nuclear forces,” meant to send a powerful deterrent message to the United States and its allies. Analysts suggest that the visible unity of air, land, and sea-based nuclear capabilities is designed to make the US reconsider military interventions in Asia, particularly regarding Taiwan.
In addition to traditional missile systems, China demonstrated hypersonic anti-ship missiles that pose a direct threat to American naval forces in the region. The YJ-series anti-ship missiles emphasised China’s increasing military sophistication and hinted at its intention to challenge US dominance in the Asia-Pacific theatre.
Innovative technologies, including drone systems, were also featured prominently, with underwater drones capable of autonomous operations displayed alongside aerial reconnaissance vehicles. Government sources referred to these as advanced weapons crafted for modern naval warfare, highlighting efforts to adapt to emerging threats in the maritime arena.
The parade also revealed China’s commitment to counter-drone measures, showcasing laser systems designed specifically to disable enemy drones. Additionally, military commentators noted the bizarre yet intimidating spectacle of “robot wolves,” robotic canines armed and deployed during the event—a sign of the futuristic direction in which China’s military technology is advancing.
While China’s weapons are impressive, experts caution that modernity doesn’t necessarily equate to battlefield effectiveness, given that Western military equipment has been tried and tested in ongoing conflicts, unlike many of China’s latest technologies.
The powerful display drew international attention, notably prompting remarks from US President Donald Trump, who indicated concern over the alliance and activities of these three nations challenging US interests.
Overall, the parade was a bold statement from Xi’s regime, underlining China’s growing military capabilities and geopolitical ambitions in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.