China parades new weapons in show of ‘strategic ace’ deterrence – as it happened
Overseeing his third major military parade, Xi Jinping speaks to the nation and assembled world leaders before inspecting the troops
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Reporting by Josephine Ma, Dewey Sim, Yuanyue Dang, Enoch Wong, Vincent Choi, Alcott Wei, Richard Zhang, Holly Chik, Xinlu Liang, Amber Wang and Eugene Lee
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The PLA’s first air-launched nuclear missile, the JL-1, has been unveiled atop a military truck. This model is significantly smaller than the JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile, which is on show.
The DF-5C can reportedly carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle warheads, “meaning that a single missile can target 10 different locations at the same time”, she says on Chinese social media.
The missile can target “the enemy’s military bases and critical facilities”, and adjust the order of strikes.
“The DF-5C, although launched from fixed silos, has a longer range and a single warhead yield reaching millions of tonnes, primarily designed to target underground facilities and missile silos,” Ma says.
“Its existence strengthens our nuclear deterrent strategy, ensuring effective retaliatory strikes, even under the harshest war conditions.”
CCTV narration said the strike range of this model “covers the entire globe”.
According to state news agency Xinhua, the J-15T can take off using either a catapult or ski-jump launch system. The J-15DT is an electronic warfare carrier-based aircraft that can also launch using either system.
The J-35, the latest stealth carrier-based fighter, “is a landmark piece of equipment for the navy’s transition from near-sea defence to far-sea defence”, Xinhua says.
The J-15DH, J-15DT and J-35 were all independently developed by China, Xinhua says.
CCTV’s live broadcast indicates that China’s carrier-based aircraft have achieved “multi-aircraft coordination”.
The carrier-based aircraft formation is operated by China’s first carrier-based aviation brigade, Xinhua says.
The air formations during the event show that Chinese strategic bombers now can strike further thanks to the aerial refuelling ability of the PLA’s YY-20, military commentator Bai Mengchen says.
“Large aircraft, including those carrying heavier ammunition, often take off with only a small amount of fuel. With the refuelling ability, these airplanes can strike further and perform more missions,” he said during Phoenix TV’s coverage of the parade.
“There was considerable interest in the several XLUUVs showcased, as their size suggests their strong capabilities to operate in deep sea,” Bai said during Phoenix TV’s live coverage of the parade.
“The deep sea is a cutting-edge area of multi-domain operations, attracting considerable attention. Previous experiences like the Nord Stream sabotage reminds us to be vigilant in this domain.”
To end the parade, 80,000 peace doves and balloons are released into Tiananmen Square.
New types of AI-equipped drones appear in the unmanned aerial combat formation.
These include reconnaissance-strike integrated drones, uncrewed wingmen, uncrewed air combat aircraft, and shipborne uncrewed helicopters.
These systems can carry out stealth strikes, cover a wide area coverage and form autonomous swarms.
The four new high-speed stealth drones unveiled during the parade are characterised by their larger size, enhanced stealth capabilities and multifunctionality, according to a military blogger named Korolev on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
“The outside world can clearly perceive China’s ‘explosive progress’ in the field of combat drones,” he wrote.
“The value of combat drones has long been recognised by various countries, as they can operate alongside manned aircraft to perform airspace search, deterrence and attack missions.
“With deep integration of artificial intelligence, they can achieve millimetre-level multidimensional information processing, autonomously perceive comprehensive situations and make rapid decisions.
“This not only significantly reduces risks for pilots but also enhances the cost-effectiveness of operations, making them ‘multipliers’ of future aerial power,” he said, citing the US military’s programmes to develop unmanned aerial combat vehicles and collaborative combat aircraft.
The Y-20A military transport aircraft and its upgraded Y-20B variant – key assets in the PLA’s strategic airlift capability – are seen in a joint formation. The Y-20A is the initial production model, powered by Russian-made D-30KP-2 engines, while the Y-20B is a more advanced version equipped with domestically produced WS-20 turbofan engines.
The aircraft uses a Y-9 airframe and can track 100 targets while networking with other platforms. With more than 60 in service, it forms the PLA’s frontline surveillance fleet.
Making its parade debut, the KJ-600 is China’s first carrier-based AWACS aircraft, purpose-built for the Type 003 Fujian carrier. Its quad-tail and dorsal radar dome echo the US Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye design. The aircraft offers carrier groups long-range situational awareness over 1,200km.
The DF-5C is also rolling through. This has only recently been unveiled and is an upgraded variant of China’s first intercontinental ballistic missile, the silo-based DF-5 series with a range more than 13,000km (8,078 miles). The DF-5C is believed to have capacity to carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle warheads.
Both the army and navy are showcasing unmanned systems for the first time.
The army’s unmanned systems include reconnaissance-strike and assault vehicles capable of performing “diverse military tasks”, alongside unmanned vehicles for mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and path-clearing operations. Unmanned support vehicles can transport ammunition and evacuate casualties.
Naval systems on show include new unmanned submersibles, unmanned surface vessels, and unmanned mine-laying systems.
The PLA Rocket Force has just revealed its new DF-26D, a variant of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile. It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads and reportedly has a range of up to 5,000km (3,107 miles).
It’s been dubbed the “Guam Killer” since it could be used to target US military bases in Guam that could play a key role in a Taiwan Strait conflict. The DF-26D is considered to be an anti-ship ballistic missile, possibly designed to target US naval assets in the western Pacific.
We’ve just seen the DF-17. This is a solid-fuel, road-mobile, medium-range ballistic missile that carries a DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle. This system is designed to defeat layered missile defences through its high-speed and unpredictable flight path. The DF-17 has a reported operational range of 1,800km (1,118 miles) to 2,500km (1,553 miles) and can reach speeds of between Mach 5 and Mach 10.
Also appearing is the YJ-21, a hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile. This missile, deployed on the Type 055 destroyer and the H-6K bomber, can be launched from both sea and the air. It reportedly can reach speeds of Mach 6 to Mach 10 and has an operational range of about 1,500km (930 miles).
This drone will probably be teamed up with crewed aircraft – a concept illustrated by a computer-generated graphic featuring a twin-seat J-20 fighter jet that was shown on state broadcaster CCTV in 2022.
In its parade commentary, CCTV referred to the drones as “loyal wingmen”.
GJ-11 chief designer Deng Shuai told state-run Global Times in 2023 that the drone “acts as both a sensor and an ammunition depot, as well as an intelligent assistant for pilots”. He said it had earned the “loyal wingman” moniker because it flew alongside crewed aircraft “like an armed bodyguard”.
China is now displaying the new CJ-1000 long-range hypersonic cruise missile. While little information is publicly available, it is believed to have a similar design to the DF-100 unveiled in October 2019, with a range of several thousand kilometres in between intermediate and intercontinental ballistic missiles, making it suitable for strategic long-range strike capability.
Appearing for the first time is the HQ-20 air defence system. It appears to have an eight-wheel transporter erector launcher that can carry at least eight interceptors. And it has a similar design to the HQ-9 system but with smaller interceptors.
The HQ-22A has also made an appearance. It’s a variant of the HQ-22 medium-to-long-range air defence system. It has an operational range of up to 170km (105 miles) and can engage a variety of aerial targets including aircraft, missiles and drones. Details of this variant have not been made public but it is likely to have improved electronic counter-countermeasures and expanded target engagement capabilities.
Also seen for the first time is the HQ-9C, a variant of the HQ-9 long-range semi-active radar homing surface-to-air missile. It is believed to be an upgrade to the HQ-9B. The HQ-9 series is based on Russia’s S-300 system and has a maximum range of more than 250km (155 miles).
Another newly revealed anti-ballistic missile system is on show, the HQ-29. This is believed to be a high-altitude interceptor designed to counter ballistic missiles during their midcourse flight when they travel outside the Earth’s atmosphere and also to counter satellites in low-Earth orbit. Its role is similar to that of the US Navy’s SM-3 interceptor. This is a key part of China’s expanding missile defence and anti-access/area-denial capabilities.
Also on show is the HQ-11, a mobile short-to-medium-range air defence system. Also known by the export designation FM-3000, this system is designed for terminal point defence, combining a vertical launch missile battery LD-3000 with a close-in weapon system. It has an engagement range of 30km against aircraft and 20km against missiles.
The newly unveiled YJ-15 has also made an appearance. This is an anti-ship missile system that is thought to be a ramjet-powered weapon. It is designed for high-speed missions to provide a rapid-strike capability against enemy ships.
And for the first time on show is the YJ-19, a scramjet-powered hypersonic anti-ship cruise missile. There is little known about this system, but it is believed to be a hypersonic weapon, possibly a glide vehicle.
The YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile is also making its debut in the parade. This missile can deliver a precision strike against large surface combatants while manoeuvring in-flight to evade interception. It is a unique hybrid missile system that reportedly combines the speed of a ballistic missile with the aerodynamic manoeuvring of a cruise missile. It is thought to be a new kind of “aircraft carrier killer”, designed to engage both naval and land targets.
The Type 99B variant was reportedly spotted last September with two APS projectile launchers and four fire control radars, designed to intercept and destroy threats, including drones.
Formations representing various military branches are being inspected, including the PLA Army, Navy and Air Force, the Joint Logistics Support Force and the Rocket Force – described by state broadcaster CCTV as the nuclear deterrent underpinning Chinas “great power status”.
Also featured are three newly established branches, including the Aerospace Force set up last year tasked with “utilising” space capabilities. CCTV states that this will provide “strategic support for building a space power”. The Cyberspace Force is also taking part, with CCTV saying it helps China “resolutely safeguard cybersecurity and firmly defend cybersovereignty”.
The Information Support Force is also represented, with CCTV saying it will empower “winning informationised and intelligent warfare”.
China’s People’s Armed Police is also taking part. The PAP is responsible for maintaining social and regime stability, and conducting counterterrorism activities.
While President Xi Jinping is watching the parade with leaders from a number of other countries, including Russia, North Korea and Iran, there will not be any foreign troops taking part in the spectacle.
Unlike previous World War II commemorations, the march-past is exclusively Chinese this year.
During the 70th anniversary parade in 2015, nearly 1,000 soldiers from 17 countries marched through Tiananmen Square.
Unlike 10 years ago, military units that link today’s PLA with its revolutionary roots are not marching formations, but present their names in flags which soldiers hold and pass the Tiananmen Square.
They include the Hundred Regiments Campaign Bayonet Combat Company, which refers to the largest Chinese offensive against Japan during World War II.
These company names underscore the Communist Party narrative about China’s role in the victory against fascism, a central theme of the commemorations.
The commander-in-chief of this military parade is Lieutenant General Han Shengyan, commander of the Central Theatre Command Air Force.
Han saluted President Xi Jinping and requested the start of the military parade, which Xi approved.
The parade itself is commanded by a general, who, at the beginning the parade, rides in a car behind the president’s to inspect the formations in static form.
Being the commander-in-chief of a military parade is usually a sign of importance, but his name was not announced before this parade.
Various land-based weapon systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and missile systems are seen on the street in the background as Xi greets troops. They include the newly unveiled DF-61 and DF-31BJ intercontinental ballistic missiles, JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile, YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile and the JL-1 air-based missile.
The JL-3, a new third-generation, intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile, crucial for sea-based nuclear deterrence operations, designed to be carried by the Type 094 and the future Type 096 nuclear-powered submarines. With a reported operational range of over 10,000km (6,214 miles), the JL-3 can carry three multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles.
US President Donald Trump has posted on Truth Social asking if Xi Jinping has mentioned the contribution and sacrifices of the United States in the war against the Japanese, although he did not name Japan.
“The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive support and ‘blood’ that the United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly invader,” he writes, adding that many Americans died in China’s quest for “Victory and Glory”.
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against the United States of America,” he added. He did not mention Iran.
Xi is about to survey the PLA and China’s armaments. In this series on China’s military modernisation, we assess changes, challenges and progress under its ambitious drive to match the best forces in the world.
Xi says the People’s Liberation Army has always been a heroic army that the party and people can rely on. He calls for officers and soldiers to faithfully fulfill their sacred duties and accelerate the building of world-class armed forces to safeguard national sovereignty, unity and contribution to world peace and development.
China’s military has undergone a dramatic modernisation programme since President Xi Jinping took power in 2013. Take a closer look at changes to its weapon systems, which could play a key role in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea and other geopolitical hot spots.
Xi begins his speech by saying it is an occasion to honour history and to look forward to the future. He pays tribute to the veterans, comrades and patriots who contributed to the war victory. He also welcomes world leaders who are attending the parade.
He says the war against Japanese aggression was China’s first complete victory in modern history. And history reminds us that different countries should work together to prevent the recurrence of tragedy.
Xi says the world now faces again the question of dialogue or confrontation and peace or war. The Chinese people, he says, firmly stand on the right side of history.
The Chinese leader incorporates elements of his mottos in his speech such as the shared destiny of humanity and that there should not be a zero-sum gain in foreign relations. He also mentions the importance for Chinese to follow Marxism, socialism and the Communist Party.
He wraps up his short speech with the proclamation that the Chinese renaissance cannot be resisted and that the peaceful development of humanity will definitely win out.
Xi Jinping, again flanked by Putin and Kim, appears at the top of the rostrum. Retired Politburo Standing Committee members, including former premier Wen Jiabao, former vice-presidents Wang Qishan and Zeng Qinghong are attending.
Former president Hu Jintao, who was beside Xi at the last Victory Day parade, and former premier Zhu Rongji are absent from proceedings.