China Plans Massive Military Parade in Beijing for WWII 80th Anniversary

China is preparing a grand military parade in Beijing on September 3 to mark 80 years since Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II, showcasing its military strength with tens of thousands of participants and hundreds of aircraft and ground equipment, some displayed publicly for the first time. The parade will feature combat-oriented joint formations including land, maritime, air defense, missile defense, information warfare, unmanned combat, and strategic strike groups, reflecting the modernization and restructuring of the People's Liberation Army since 2015. Highlights include advanced early warning and command aircraft, new tanks, drone countermeasure devices, and an expanding missile arsenal with anti-ship and hypersonic capabilities, which are drawing close attention from the United States and its allies amid regional security concerns. President Xi Jinping will preside over the 70-minute event at Tiananmen Square, attended by foreign dignitaries including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Security measures have been significantly tightened in Beijing with checkpoints, road closures, and temporary shutdowns of shopping and office areas to ensure smooth preparations and public safety. The parade is seen as a demonstration of China's growing military power and its readiness for potential future conflicts in the region.