On September 3, 2025 China marked Victory Day with one of the most ambitious military parades in recent history. The Chinese Military Parade in Beijing showcased the country’s armed forces in full display at Tiananmen Square. Thousands of soldiers marched in perfect formation while hundreds of vehicles and missile systems rumbled past.
The focus was clear, this was a demonstration of modern military power. Tanks missiles aircraft drones artillery and naval hardware took centre stage. Victory Day provided the historical context, commemorating the end of the Second World War in Asia and China’s role in defeating Japan. The parade combined remembrance with a show of strength, signalling the growing capability and modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army.
The parade carried political significance without needing to shout it. It reminded the world of China’s strength and indeed that it has some muscle if needed.
So, what was on display at the Chinese Military Parade?
Tanks and Armoured Vehicles
The parade opened with a display of tanks and armoured vehicles that set the tone immediately. The Type 99A main battle tank led the procession. Equipped with a 125 millimeter smoothbore cannon and advanced active protection systems, it could fire a variety of rounds including armour piercing and high explosive shells. Its sloped turret and reinforced hull made it one of the most formidable tanks in the region. Spectators noted how the tank exuded both weight and menace while moving with surprising precision across the square.
Behind the Type 99A came ZBL 09 8×8 wheeled armoured personnel carriers. These vehicles were designed to deploy infantry quickly while providing protection and fire support. They moved faster than the main battle tanks and demonstrated China’s emphasis on mobility and combined arms operations. Self propelled artillery pieces such as the PLZ 05 155 millimeter howitzer were also on display. These could fire shells over forty kilometres and were part of the parade to show that China possessed both long range firepower and battlefield versatility.
Missiles
Missiles were arguably the highlight of the Chinese Military Parade. The display included land based intercontinental ballistic missiles sea launched systems and air launched cruise missiles. The Dongfeng 41 ICBM was featured prominently. Capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads over distances exceeding twelve thousand miles it represented the cornerstone of China’s nuclear deterrent.
Medium range DF 26 missiles were also on show. Known in military circles as carrier killers these were designed to threaten naval vessels across the Pacific. The DF 17 hypersonic glide vehicle drew particular attention for its Mach 5 plus speeds and manoeuvrability in flight. It was clear that the PLA had invested heavily in next generation strike technology. Cruise missiles such as the YJ 18 also appeared. Their low flight profile and precision strike capability highlighted China’s ability to threaten both maritime and land targets simultaneously.
Aircraft
The air component of the parade demonstrated both stealth and conventional power. The J 20 stealth fighter featured prominently. Its design focused on radar evasion while performing air superiority and strike missions. Multirole fighters including the J 16 and Su 35 accompanied it along with H 6 K bombers. These bombers were equipped with long range cruise missiles and electronic warfare packages, showcasing China’s ability to project air power over extended distances.
Helicopters were also part of the display. Z 10 attack helicopters demonstrated close air support capabilities while Z 20 transport helicopters highlighted the PLA’s ability to deploy troops and equipment rapidly. Observers noted that the combination of aircraft provided a balanced representation of air power and troop mobility.
Naval Hardware
While no full sized ships could appear on Tiananmen Square, naval capabilities were represented through scale models and trailers carrying mock ups of vessels. Type 055 destroyers Type 075 amphibious assault ships and Jin class ballistic missile submarines were all included.
The Type 055 destroyers carried anti air anti ship and land attack missiles while the Type 075 was designed for amphibious operations with helicopters and troops. Jin class submarines represented the sea based leg of China’s nuclear triad capable of second strike deterrence. The naval display reinforced China’s growing maritime ambitions and its ability to project power in the region.
Air Defence and Electronic Warfare
Air defence systems were a key element of the parade. HQ 9 long range surface to air missile units and HQ 16 short range systems were displayed moving past Tiananmen Square. These demonstrated a layered air defence network capable of countering aircraft cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Trucks carrying electronic warfare equipment and radar systems also participated.
These units were designed to disrupt communications intercept signals and provide battlefield intelligence. The parade made clear that modern warfare in China is as much about controlling information and the electromagnetic spectrum as it is about conventional firepower.
Drones and Robotics
Unmanned systems were an important part of the 2025 Chinese Military Parade. Wing Loong II armed drones and smaller reconnaissance UAVs demonstrated China’s investment in remote strike and surveillance capabilities. Ground robots and unmanned tracked vehicles were also present.
These could carry weapons perform reconnaissance or operate in dangerous environments reducing risk to personnel. The parade highlighted the PLA’s integration of autonomous and semi autonomous systems into its conventional forces, signalling a shift towards modern networked warfare.
Some have even suggested (well I saw it on TikTok) that this weaponry element was perhaps influenced by the War in Ukraine.
Political Context
While the parade primarily focused on hardware it also had a subtle political message. Victory Day celebrates China’s historic role in defeating Japan and emphasises national unity etc etc.
We should also remember that there were 26 heads of state here, which included a certain Mr Putin and of course Chairman Kim Jong-Un. And it closely followed a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Of course we remain politically neutral. We just hope the meeting helps opens the tourism doors.
Conclusion on the Chinese Military Parade
The 2025 Chinese Military Parade provided an extraordinary window into the scale and sophistication of China’s armed forces. Tanks missiles aircraft naval hardware drones and electronic warfare systems all demonstrated a level of modernisation that few observers could ignore.
And make no mistake this was proof that while we might not know how the New World Order might look, things are certainly a changing.
Alas we did not make this military parade, but we have been to others and will go to more in the future! Click to check out our China Tours, North Korea Tours and our Jordan Art of War Tour.
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