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A militia formation marches through Tiananmen Square. Alamy Stock Photo
In Pictures
Cyber troops, robotic wolves and missiles: China puts military might on full display during parade
The huge military parade was held to mark the anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
CHINA STAGED THE largest military parade in its history today, unveiling a sweeping array of new weapons, drones, and high-tech hardware in Beijing.
Crowds lined the streets waving Chinese flags, while a few thousand ticket-holders gathered from dawn in Tiananmen Square for the morning spectacle.
The event marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II and capped a week of diplomatic posturing by President Xi Jinping and his allies against the West.
The show was as much about power projection as commemoration.
On display were some of China’s most advanced weapons, including the “Guam Killer” missile, the “loyal wingman” drone, four-legged “robotic wolves,” and the giant LY-1 laser, reportedly capable of disabling electronics or even blinding pilots.
Xi reviewed the troops from an open-topped limousine, repeatedly calling out, “Comrades, you are working hard!”
Later, he joined North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin in the grandstand above the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong, a rare and symbolic show of solidarity.
The 90-minute parade featured marching troops, military bands, and patriotic choirs belting out anti-Japanese anthems.
Tens of thousands of doves of peace were released into the skies as new cyber and information warfare units made their debut alongside traditional army and navy formations.
Among the weapons showcased were the YJ-17 and YJ-19 anti-ship missiles, designed to outmaneuver interception systems.
Other missiles which featured in the parade included the Dongfeng-61, capable of carrying multiple warheads; the intercontinental Dongfeng-5C missile, which could strike the US from northern China; and the Dongfeng-26D intermediate-range missile, dubbed the “Guam Killer” for its ability to target American bases in the Pacific.
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— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) September 3, 2025
China showcases the LY-1, a massive directed-energy laser system (DEW) 🇨🇳 Displayed during the military parade, it highlights advances in cutting-edge defense tech. pic.twitter.com/v8pHR3Ssfb
Drones also featured heavily, from the AJX-002 submarine drone to the stealth GJ-11 attack drone, designed to fly alongside fighter jets in combat.
Gasps echoed through the crowd when the enormous DF-5C ICBM rolled past.
Additional reporting from AFP
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