On September 3, 2025, China held a massive military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who leads the Chinese Communist Party and the military, oversaw the event. The parade showcased China’s most advanced weapons, including new stealth fighter jets, hypersonic and ballistic missiles, underwater drones, and early warning aircraft.
The parade featured 10,000 members of China’s military, including the army, navy, and air force, marching in precise formation. The event took place in front of a large audience of 50,000 people and was attended by 26 world leaders, mostly from non-Western countries. Among the guests were Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Xi Jinping delivered a speech from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where he spoke about China’s victory over Japanese aggression during World War II, calling it a “world anti-fascist war.”
He stressed the importance of peace and development while warning that the lessons of history remain relevant today. Xi did not mention the United States directly, despite its key role in World War II.
He said China would continue on a path of peaceful growth and work with the world to build a shared future for humanity. However, he also emphasized that China’s military remains central to the country’s rise and national pride, reflecting a history when China was invaded and humiliated by foreign powers.
The parade included a dramatic flyover by the Chinese air force, with helicopters displaying banners that read messages like “Justice will prevail” and “Peace will prevail.” The event was seen as a demonstration of China’s growing power under Xi’s leadership and a message to the world that China cannot be isolated or intimidated.
On social media, former US President Donald Trump responded by questioning whether Xi would acknowledge America’s assistance during World War II, while also sending greetings to Putin and Kim with a hint of suspicion about their intentions toward the US. The Kremlin denied claims that the leaders were conspiring against the United States.
Overall, the parade was a highly choreographed show of strength designed to honor history, promote national pride, and remind the world of China’s rising global influence.
