China flaunts hypersonic missiles, advanced drones at Beijing Parade
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China unveiled advanced missiles, underwater drones, and radar technology during a major military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender.
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Military personnel take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP)
China displayed underwater drones, massive missiles, and laser weapons at a major military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, a show of strength that comes amid constant friction with Washington.
During his speech ahead of the military parade that marks 80 years since China defeated Japan in what Beijing calls the Japanese War of Aggression, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the country as "unstoppable." The country's advanced weaponry then rolled past cheering crowds gathered at the Tiananmen Square in central Beijing to the sound of jubilant music.
ICBMs capable of striking anywhere on the globe
During the Wednesday parade, one important upgrade to China's military technology was unveiled: the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
Mounted on the flatbeds of large, camouflaged military vehicles, the colossal liquid-fuelled nuclear weapons, a part of the "Dongfeng" missile series, were put on display, with The Global Times stating the DF-5C possesses the capability to strike any location on Earth.
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The DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile takes part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP)
"It stands on guard at all times to effectively deter, preventing wars through force and helping stabilise the world," the Chinese daily stated.
Also rolling through Tiananmen Square on Wednesday were four new anti-ship missiles, which were several metres long and mounted on the backs of vehicles.
China’s DF-5 strategic intercontinental nuclear missile with insane STRIKE range https://t.co/n41OqFMheH pic.twitter.com/gRFM4MSe2x
— RT (@RT_com) September 3, 2025
These were identified as the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 models, with "YJ" being an abbreviation for "Ying Ji," which translates to "eagle attack" in Chinese, and these missiles, which can be launched from ships or aircraft, are designed to inflict critical damage on large vessels.
The YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 models have the potential to be hypersonic, a capability that means they can fly at least five times the speed of sound.
Drones go underwater
The parade featured two new, extra-large torpedo-shaped unmanned underwater vehicles, the AJX002 and the HSU100, which were carried on top of long trucks. According to defence analyst Alex Luck, the former is "presumably a reconnaissance design," while the latter, which he told AFP was more mysterious, is said to be an uncrewed minelaying capability.
According to Naval News, while China still lags behind the United States in surface naval power, it operates the world's largest programme of "extra large uncrewed underwater vehicles" (XLUUVs), with at least five types already in the water.
WATCH: Chinese DRONE systems in all white pic.twitter.com/zWUKtFLnHE
— RT (@RT_com) September 3, 2025
In addition to the underwater drones, the parade also featured several unmanned vehicles on display, including surface vessels designed for use in maritime military operations. According to Luck, the surface drone can be "optionally crewed to navigate in and out of ports," and is likely intended for mine warfare, particularly mine clearing.
Several unmanned aircraft and land vehicles were also shown during Wednesday's parade, which completed a diverse range of drone capabilities that included evacuation, the movement of goods and ammunition, and reconnaissance.
Radar technology sees a new debut
Early warning radar technology featured heavily in the parade, as several large detection devices were paraded through the square.
Above the parade, radar-equipped aircraft glided through the sky, showcasing the country's surveillance capabilities.
Making its public debut, the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, which is designed for use on aircraft carriers and is expected to enter service on China's Fujian vessel in the coming months, according to state-run China Daily, was showcased.
Mankind before peace, war
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the world was at a crossroads between peace and war while leading China’s largest military parade alongside Russia’s Vladimir Putin and the DPRK's Kim Jong-un, marking the end of a week of high-profile diplomacy viewed as a challenge to the West.
China unstoppable despite bullying
“Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” Xi said to a crowd of over 50,000 people gathered at Tiananmen Square, adding that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history”.
Xi condemned “bullying behaviour” from certain countries in an indirect reference to the United States and declared that China was “unstoppable” as the large-scale display of military equipment was about to begin.
China has promoted the parade as a demonstration of unity with other nations, and Kim’s presence marks the first time he has been seen alongside Xi and Putin at the same event, while also being his only second documented trip abroad in six years.
After speaking, Xi rode in an open-top car to review the parade, acknowledging the troops and receiving their salutes, while analysts focused on the wide range of military equipment on display, including tanks, drones, long-range and nuclear-capable missiles, fighter jets, stealth aircraft, and several newly revealed weapons systems.
