For the first time, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un appeared together in public, fully aware the world was watching. While China’s military display drew global attention, analysts note that the political theater surrounding the event was equally significant.
The spectacle was meticulously choreographed: choirs stood in perfect lines, troops marched in flawless unison, and the synchronized sound of boots echoed across Tiananmen Square before an audience of 50,000 invited guests.
New Weapons on Display
The parade unveiled a range of new weaponry — including an intercontinental ballistic missile and advanced laser systems. Spectators rushed to capture the moment on their phones as fighter jets roared overhead, followed by a release of thousands of white doves and balloons into the Beijing sky.
Held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the event was not only a tribute to China’s past but also a projection of its future ambitions: Xi positioning himself as a global leader, flanked by two of the world’s most sanctioned heads of state, with a rapidly modernizing army at his feet.
How Did China Advance So Fast?
A key question raised by the parade, according to the BBC, is how China has managed to develop such a wide array of advanced weapons in such a short time.
“Ten years ago, the type of military technology China showcased tended to be rudimentary copies of far more advanced U.S. systems,” noted Michael Raska, assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University.
This year’s display, however, revealed a much more innovative and diverse arsenal, particularly in drones and missile systems. Analysts argue that China’s top-down command structure and vast resources allow it to mass-produce new weaponry far faster than many Western nations.
Still, doubts remain about how effectively the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) can integrate these systems. Experts highlight the challenges posed by its massive size and lack of recent battlefield experience.
“They can showcase these advanced platforms,” Raska said, “but the real question is whether they are organizationally agile enough to use them effectively.”
