China held a grand military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025, a powerful event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II that simultaneously showcased its advanced military arsenal and deepening strategic alliances. The parade was a clear signal of Beijing's growing influence and its intent to play a leading role on the global stage.

Attended by over 50,000 people, the event featured a massive display of China's military modernization. For the first time, the nation presented its full "nuclear triad," demonstrating land, air, and sea-based nuclear strike capabilities. Among the advanced weaponry unveiled were the Dongfeng-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, new hypersonic missiles like the YJ-15 designed to evade existing defense systems, and the AJX002, a sophisticated autonomous undersea drone built for stealth operations. The procession also included new lasers and what were described as "highly intelligent" tanks.

The geopolitical symbolism of the day was unmistakable. Chinese president Xi Jinping presided over the event, flanked by high-profile international leaders including Russian president Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The presence of about two dozen foreign leaders highlighted an alignment of non-Western powers and underscored what some analysts describe as China's effort to position itself as an alternative to a U.S.-led global order and a leader against Western "hegemonism."

The parade was not an isolated event but the centerpiece of a significant diplomatic week in China. High-level summits, including meetings for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), were also held, drawing leaders from across the globe and further cementing China's role in international affairs.

The event drew sharp reactions from the United States. Former U.S. president Donald Trump commented on the display, suggesting that the prominent placement of Putin and Kim alongside Xi could be seen as a "conspiracy against the U.S.," underscoring the heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding the parade.

As the military hardware rolled through Beijing, the event concluded with a symbolic gesture of peace. In a grand finale, 80,000 doves and 80,000 balloons were released over Tiananmen Square, a message of peace and celebration that stood in contrast to the formidable military power on display.