Organized in Beijing on the 80th anniversary of the end of planet War II, the military parade had 2 dimensions – military and political. And it must be admitted that both of the mediate States presented themselves very well. 10 1000 soldiers, more than a 100 aircraft and hundreds of vehicles, including drone trucks carrying land, air, water and submarines, participated in the parade. And although this spectacle, like any specified kind, was mostly calculated for the propaganda effect, it seems that on the basis of it respective modernisation trends of the People's Liberation Army of China can be confirmed.
Peking parade, September 3, 2025.
Firstly, China is focusing on developing a strategical atomic triad. For respective years now, in SIPRI reports, whether the U.S. Department of War (because no longer defence) can be found information on the scale and pace of this process. The parade featured land-based DF-61, DF-5C and DF-31BJ missiles, sea-based JL-3 and aircraft JL-1 (must not be confused with the erstwhile maritime system, which never gained operational readiness). And although any of this is most likely about rebranding, due to the fact that the first 1 seems to be the developmental version of DF-41, and the last 1 was previously known under the designation KF-21, however, the multiplicity of strategical systems demonstrates how crucial their improvement is for Beijing. It should be assumed that Donald Trump's announcement about the construction of the alleged golden dome will contribute to further intensifying the expansion of the Chinese triad.
In addition to strategical systems, many another types of missiles were presented: ballistic, self-controlled, anti-shipping or hypersonic. The number of Chinese rocket volley is expanding at an awesome rate, while fresh classes and types of missiles are being introduced to the service, which, in the event of a possible conflict, will be a challenge for rocket systems.
During the parade more than 1 100 aircraft were presented, including 5th generation J-20A and J-20S and J-35A fighters. The latter, after years of development, will yet enter production, which is related, among others, to the incarnation of the service of the first Chinese aircraft carrier equipped with catapults. From the board of Fujiana, as mentioned, apart from J-35 are to launch (also shown on the parade) J-15T fighters or aircraft of early informing and command KJ-600. This will open a fresh chapter in the past of Chinese on-board aviation, which has so far operated exclusively with fighters and helicopters. The fresh option besides deserves attention first Chinese V generation fighter J-20S, whose crew are 2 people. It is speculated that the function of the co-pilot may be to manage the swarm so-called loyal wingers, that is controlled by an unmanned device fighter. And as far as drones are concerned, many have been presented at the parade, which shows that they are besides 1 of the improvement priorities of ChAL-W.
The Chinese have shown, among others, a drone that is expected to play the function of an air force fighter and which is adapted to attain supersonic speed. Today, akin structures in the arsenals of powers can be sought. And although it is not certain at what phase the said device is at, it is certain that Beijing will not deviate from the chosen direction. In addition to the unmanned aircraft, respective marine drones have been presented, especially interesting seem to be the underwater ones: AJX002 is most likely utilized for reconnaissance missions, the function of HSU100 has not been determined in 100%, possibly it is an underwater trawler and a mine putter in one.
It is not possible to overlook the presence of HQ-29 launchers, missiles capable of dropping both ballistic warheads in the mid-flight phase as well as satellites or LY-1 lasers intended to defend against drones.
However, a fewer words should be given to the political dimension of the project. Over 20 heads of state and government stood in the stands next to Xi Jinping. There were, among others, leaders of 8 (not counting Russia) russian republics, Pakistan, Vietnam, Iran or Indonesia. There was besides the Prime Minister of Slovakia and the president of Serbia. However, the presence of Russian and North Korean leaders, whom Xi welcomed and with whom he accepted the parade, was the most important. For Beijing, relations with FR and KRL-D are of peculiar importance, Chinese (not only Chinese) perception of Ukrainian conflict is different from western. The PRC calls for its conclusion by peaceful methods, seeing in it the introduction of a conflict that can redesign the planet order and endanger them themselves.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, China has thus demonstrated that the planet does not end in Western countries, that in today's realities the countries formerly referred to as the 3rd world, and present the global south, are becoming increasingly important. They besides demonstrated that they themselves gain not only in terms of military power, but above all political power. And it was a message addressed straight to the United States.
