On September 3, 2025, Beijing’s Tiananmen Square became the epicenter of international attention as China staged a grand military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, known in China as the People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event, meticulously choreographed and brimming with symbolism, was more than a nod to history—it was a bold display of China’s rising military and technological prowess, its national pride, and its ambitions on the world stage.
The parade unfolded under the watchful gaze of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who, before the procession, addressed the nation and the world. According to the Associated Press, Xi paid tribute to Chinese veterans of the war, stating, “The Chinese people are ... not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong.” His remarks, steeped in references to China’s resilience, set the tone for a ceremony designed to reinforce the Communist Party’s narrative of rejuvenation and strength. Xi did not mention the United States by name but expressed gratitude to foreign countries that aided China during the Japanese invasion, signaling a message of unity while also underscoring China’s independence.
The parade itself was a spectacle of military might and technological innovation. Over a brisk 90 minutes, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) showcased an impressive array of weaponry, including aerial and underwater drones, hypersonic missiles, and advanced fighter jets and bombers. Among the most talked-about unveilings was the Type 100 main battle tank (MBT), described by Global Times and China Daily as a “fourth-generation” MBT. Outfitted with an unmanned turret, advanced radar, an active protection system (APS), and augmented reality technology, the Type 100 is a testament to China’s focus on integrating informatization and firepower in modern warfare.
According to The National Interest, the Type 100’s unmanned turret houses a 105mm main gun and a coaxial machine gun, relying on a multitude of smaller munitions rather than the larger caliber weapons seen in Western tanks. The vehicle is equipped with a remote-control weapons system, likely an autoloader, and bristles with cameras and photoelectric sensors, providing 360-degree threat detection. The APS can track and intercept incoming shells, rockets, or missiles by firing counter “mini rockets.” In an age where drones and advanced anti-tank weapons threaten traditional armor, the Type 100’s ability to deploy a rotor-wing drone for reconnaissance adds another layer of situational awareness for its crew.
Military affairs expert Fu Qianshao explained to Global Times that these advancements mark a significant evolution in armored warfare: “Through active protection interceptors and the remote weapon station to defend against incoming anti-tank ammunition and drones, these technologies enable China’s new generation of tank and armored vehicle to have strong combat and survival capabilities in the high threat environment of modern ground warfare.” The Type 100 was developed specifically to counter the growing threat posed by drones and anti-tank missiles, which increasingly target the vulnerable tops of tanks.
Alongside the Type 100 MBT, China also introduced a support vehicle—sharing the same chassis and designated as the Type 100—that is armed with lighter, rapid-fire weapons intended to suppress unarmored targets like foot soldiers and lightly armored vehicles. Both vehicles utilize data links for coordinated battlefield operations, a move designed to exploit enemy weaknesses. Fu noted, “The Type 100 tank and the Type 100 support vehicle share the same vehicle body design. This can lower the design and maintenance cost, boost interconnectivity and interoperability, and enhance combat efficiency.” While it remains unclear when these vehicles will enter full service, China’s pattern of not showcasing vaporware suggests deployment may not be far off.
The technological parade didn’t stop at ground vehicles. The PLA’s arsenal on display included the AJX002 underwater drone—a sleek, black, tube-shaped craft resembling a narrow submarine—as well as hypersonic missiles designed to threaten naval assets, and the new DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, reportedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads to distant targets. Fighter jets and bombers streaked across the sky, some trailing colored smoke, while a formation of 26 helicopters spelled out “80” in the air, a striking visual to mark the anniversary.
Yet the parade was not solely a celebration of hardware. It was also a showcase of human achievement and national unity, with Chongqing—a city deeply intertwined with China’s wartime history—playing a prominent role. Senior Colonel Tan Hongmei, a Chongqing-born pilot and a member of China’s seventh group of female aviators, commanded a Y-20A aerial refueling aircraft during the flyover, ready to support H-6N bombers and J-16 and J-20 fighter jets. Tan’s six-aircraft experience and her leadership at such a high-profile event underscored the growing presence and professionalism of women in China’s military.
In the reviewing stands, figures representing Chongqing’s diverse contributions to China’s past and present stood out. Among them was 97-year-old Hong Daibin, a survivor of the Chongqing Bombing, who saluted with “trembling but resolute hands,” as described by iChongqing. Deng Jianhua, an aerospace telemetry expert, remarked that the parade demonstrated not just military strength but the confidence of national rejuvenation. Other notable attendees included world hairdressing champion Nie Feng, decorated taxi driver Yin Qilong, chief technician Tang Yuehui, Sichuan Opera artist Shen Tiemei, and Liu Chang, daughter of Chongqing’s first labor model—all personifying the spirit of a nation on the rise.
Chongqing’s industrial might was also on display. The Jianshe Industry Group, based in the city, debuted two new-generation firearms: the Type 191 automatic rifle and the Type 192 carbine. These weapons, featuring advanced materials and modular designs, promise improved all-weather and all-terrain combat capabilities. Meanwhile, Southwest Aluminum, another Chongqing enterprise, supplied high-strength aluminum alloys used in aircraft, armored vehicles, and unmanned systems—a testament to the city’s enduring role in supporting China’s “national arsenal.”
The international dimension of the parade was hard to miss. Leaders from about two dozen countries, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, attended the event. The gathering drew wary glances from the United States and its allies. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a social media post, questioned whether Xi would acknowledge the contributions of Americans in World War II, while Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro called the trio’s appearance together “a threat specially to smaller nations.”
Despite the geopolitical undertones, Xi Jinping’s message was clear: China’s rejuvenation is unstoppable, and the country stands ready to play a greater role in global affairs. As Xi reviewed the troops along Chang’an Avenue, the PLA responded with chants of “We serve the people,” reinforcing the image of a military loyal to both nation and party. Across the Taiwan Strait, President William Lai offered a different perspective, emphasizing peace and democracy over displays of force.
As the last echoes of the 80-gun salute faded and the final marchers left the square, the parade had accomplished its goal: to remind the world—and the Chinese people—of how far the nation has come, and how determined it is to shape its own future.
