By Krishna Dua 
China’s Largest-Ever Military Parade Marks WWII Victory
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, China marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with its largest-ever military parade, a monumental spectacle that combined historical commemoration with a powerful display of modern military might. The event, held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, was a meticulously choreographed demonstration of national resolve, technological advancement, and a new diplomatic alignment on the global stage. While ostensibly a tribute to the Chinese people’s sacrifice in the war against Japanese aggression, the parade was widely seen as a significant political statement, reinforcing China’s position as a major world power
A Historic Commemoration: The Chinese People’s War of Resistance
For China, the Second World War is known as the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The conflict, which lasted from 1931 with the Japanese invasion of Manchuria to Japan’s surrender in 1945, was a brutal and devastating period in Chinese history. China bore the brunt of Japan’s imperial ambitions for nearly a decade and a half, suffering an estimated 35 million casualties. The war was fought by both the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek, but the official narrative of the parade, as with previous commemorations, focused on the CCP’s role in the “World Anti-Fascist War.”
The parade aimed to honor the heroic sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. A special contingent of elderly veterans, some of whom were over 100 years old, rode in open-top buses, their presence a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict. The sight of these veterans, their chests covered in medals, was a powerful moment for many spectators, linking the past to the present and providing a sense of historical continuity. The parade’s theme was not just about victory but also about remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten.
A Grand Spectacle of Military Power
The centerpiece of the commemoration was the military parade itself, a magnificent display that featured more than 10,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, and hundreds of pieces of ground equipment. The parade was a showcase of China’s rapid military modernization, with a vast array of new and advanced weaponry on public display for the first time. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) marched with precision and discipline, their goose-stepping formations a symbol of the military’s impeccable training and organization.
The parade was divided into several sections, each highlighting a different aspect of China’s military capability. The ground formations included a formidable display of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. Among the most closely watched were the long-range missiles, including the Dongfeng series, which are central to China’s nuclear and conventional deterrent capabilities. The air force segment was equally impressive, with a massive flypast of stealth fighters, bombers, and a fleet of combat drones. This was the first time China publicly displayed its full “triad” of nuclear-capable assets, showcasing its ability to launch nuclear missiles from land, sea, and air.
The inclusion of unmanned systems, such as drones and underwater vehicles, underscored China’s focus on high-tech warfare. The parade also featured a counter-drone formation equipped with lasers and microwave weapons, a clear signal that China is investing in the cutting edge of military technology to protect itself from emerging threats. The meticulous organization and scale of the parade were a testament to China’s logistical and technological prowess, sending a clear message to the world about its growing military strength.
The Diplomatic Dimension: A Strategic Alignment
The parade’s guest list was as significant as the military hardware on display. Presiding over the ceremony was Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was flanked by a select group of foreign dignitaries. Most notable among these were Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Their presence, side-by-side with President Xi, was a powerful visual and diplomatic statement. It highlighted a growing alignment between the three nations, often seen as a counterweight to the Western-led world order.
While leaders from major Western powers, including the United States, Japan, and most European nations, were conspicuously absent, the parade drew leaders from over two dozen other countries, primarily from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Leaders from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Serbia attended, underscoring China’s growing diplomatic influence beyond the Western world. This was a clear message that China is building its own network of allies and partners, and is not isolated on the global stage. The attendance of these leaders served to legitimize China’s narrative of the war and its current geopolitical stance.
The Political Message: A Warning and a Vision
President Xi Jinping’s speech at the beginning of the parade was short but packed with meaning. Dressed in a grey Mao suit, he spoke of remembering history, cherishing peace, and moving forward into the future. He made it clear that China would continue on a path of peaceful development, stating, “No matter how much stronger it may become, China will never seek hegemony or expansion. It will never inflict its past suffering on any other nation.”
However, the parade’s underlying message was a more assertive one. The grand display of military power was a clear warning against any nation that might challenge China’s sovereignty or national interests, particularly with regard to Taiwan. The timing of the parade, held as tensions with the United States and its allies continue to grow, was no coincidence. The phrase “The Chinese nation is a great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies and always values independence,” was a thinly veiled jab at the United States and its allies.
The parade was also a domestic political tool, aimed at rallying nationalist sentiment and reinforcing the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party. By positioning the party as the inheritor of the legacy of victory against foreign aggression, the event served to strengthen the party’s grip on power and mobilize public support for its policies. The carefully curated narrative of the “War of Resistance” and the emphasis on China’s sacrifices were central to this effort.
A Legacy of “Memory Wars”
The parade is part of a broader phenomenon known as “memory wars,” where nations use historical events to shape their national identity and project their influence on the world stage. China’s commemoration of its role in World War II is a deliberate effort to counter the Western-centric narrative of the war, which often focuses on the European and Pacific theaters while overlooking China’s immense contribution. By showcasing its role as a key player in the defeat of fascism, China seeks to “rightsize” its place in history and assert its rightful role in the post-war international order.
The parade also serves as a reminder of the historical disputes in the region, particularly with Japan. While Japan has offered apologies for its wartime conduct, many in China and other parts of Asia feel that these apologies are not sufficient. The parade, therefore, is also a way of keeping the memory of Japanese aggression alive, serving as a political tool in ongoing diplomatic relations.
In conclusion, China’s largest-ever military parade on September 3, 2025, was a multifaceted event. It was a solemn commemoration of a painful period in Chinese history, a breathtaking display of modern military power, a significant diplomatic maneuver, and a powerful tool of domestic politics. The parade sent a clear message to the world: China is a rising power with a deep sense of history and a firm resolve to protect its interests. The presence of key world leaders and the absence of others underscored a new geopolitical reality, one in which China is increasingly charting its own course and forging new alliances in a multipolar world