On September 3, 2025, a large-scale military parade was held in Beijing, the capital of China, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of a historic victory. The event honored the Chinese people’s resistance against Japanese aggression and the end of World War II. The official ceremony took place at Tiananmen Square, attended by top Chinese leaders and international guests.
President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, delivered a speech and formally reviewed the military formations. Standing beside him were the President of Turkmenistan and leaders from over 20 countries, including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada—nations that supported China during the war.
The parade featured more than 10,000 military personnel, over 100 aircraft, and hundreds of ground vehicles. For the first time, China showcased new systems and weaponry of the People’s Liberation Army, including drones, hypersonic missiles, and strategic arms.
In his address, Xi Jinping emphasized the historical significance of the victory, calling it China’s first complete triumph against foreign invasion in modern history. He highlighted the immense sacrifice made by the Chinese people in defense of peace—an estimated 35 million military and civilian casualties.
The Chinese leader reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peaceful development and urged the international community to address the root causes of war. Notably, Chinese UN peacekeepers participated in the parade for the first time, symbolizing China’s readiness to safeguard global peace.
This was the second major parade of its kind since 2015, held as part of China’s broader modernization strategy leading up to 2035.
