By Mewati Sitaram
Much like India’s Republic Day Parade on New Delhi’s Rajpath every January, China mounted an impressive display of military might with a grand parade along Chang’an Avenue in front of Tiananmen Square. The occasion marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and was officially titled the “Conference to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.”
With more than 12,000 soldiers marching in unison and state-of-the-art weaponry on display, Beijing’s ceremonial boulevard became the stage for a meticulously choreographed spectacle highlighting China’s military prowess, national pride, and commitment to honoring history.
President Xi Jinping, flanked by foreign dignitaries including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, presided over the event and delivered a keynote speech. Paying homage to China’s wartime sacrifices, Xi framed the anniversary as a reminder of resilience and warned of a global choice between “peace or war.” He pledged that China would never be intimidated by external forces, underlining Beijing’s determination to safeguard sovereignty and stability.
The meticulously choreographed parade included new-generation fighter jets, hypersonic and intercontinental missiles, advanced drone systems, underwater autonomous vehicles, and cutting-edge air defense platforms—many unveiled publicly for the first time. Beyond commemoration, the display underscored China’s growing military and geopolitical clout, signaling its ambitions on the global stage.
The ceremony concluded with the release of 80,000 doves and balloons, symbolizing peace amid the military spectacle. With millions watching worldwide and more than two dozen foreign leaders in attendance, the parade highlighted both China’s remembrance of the past and its intent to shape the future world order.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
