China's Unveils Modern Military Might at Historic Parade

BEIJING, CHINA — In a powerful demonstration of its burgeoning global influence and military prowess, China today held its largest military parade in decades, showcasing an array of new, domestically-produced weaponry. The grand event, held in Beijing's iconic Tiananmen Square, commemorated the 80th anniversary of China's victory against Japanese aggression in World War II. It drew leaders from across the globe, signaling a shift in the international geopolitical landscape.

Representative Image. Source - TheIndianHawk.com Graphics.

For the first time, the secretive People’s Liberation Army (PLA) unveiled a range of its latest military hardware, including advanced jet fighters, missiles with hypersonic capabilities, and state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems. 

These new armaments, which Chinese military officials claim are on par with those of the US military, underscore Beijing's rapid modernization of its defense capabilities. 

Analysts were particularly interested in the public debut of advanced anti-ship missiles and unmanned aerial drones, which could play a crucial role in future conflicts.

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🇨🇳 China just held their biggest military flex in decades.

They revealed 11 weapons that have never been seen before in public.

Military analysts are calling it a 'strategic message.'

Here's what each one actually means 🧵 👇 pic.twitter.com/jd6QvxFS1e

— Shawn Chauhan (@shawnchauhan1) September 3, 2025

A Convergence of Global Leaders

The parade was a high-stakes diplomatic affair, attended by more than two dozen foreign leaders. The most notable presence was that of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping in a visible display of solidarity.

China's race for new missiles that competes against Russia and US, sends a clear message to the West, especially the United States under President Donald Trump. 

Their shared presence follows the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussed a range of issues, from trade tariffs to regional security.

Kim Jong Un's attendance, his second visit to China since 2019, marks a significant moment in the evolving relationship between Beijing and Pyongyang. 

Even North Korean unveiled their ambitious plans for third 5000-tons destroyer amid naval expansion.

His presence alongside Putin, a key ally who has received military support from North Korea in the Ukraine war, highlights a deepening axis of cooperation.

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Diplomatic Spat and Global Repercussions

The event was not without controversy. Japan lodged a diplomatic protest with China after Tokyo urged world leaders to refrain from attending the parade. 

The presence of leaders at an event commemorating China's "war of resistance against Japanese aggression" has reopened historical wounds and underscored ongoing regional tensions.

China's decision to hold such a large-scale, public display of military might is widely seen as an effort to boost President Xi's profile and solidify China's position as a major player in a multipolar world.

The parade served as both a historical commemoration and a powerful political statement, demonstrating China's growing confidence and its capacity to project power and influence on the global stage.

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🔰 More from The Indian Hawk

1. Follow the geopolitical shifts. With China's military might on display and a new axis of power forming, how will India navigate this changing landscape? Stay updated with our in-depth analysis of regional security and foreign policy.
2. Read our exclusive interviews. We bring you perspectives from top military strategists and defense analysts on what these new weapons mean for the balance of power in Asia.
3. Join the conversation. Share your thoughts on China's growing influence and its impact on global relations in the comments below.

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