China Holds Grand Beijing Military Parade for WWII 80th Anniversary With Global Leaders

China held a grand military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender, showcasing advanced military technology such as hypersonic weapons, unmanned underwater drones, missiles, fighter jets, and drone swarm capabilities. The event, attended by foreign leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, served both as a display of national strength and a diplomatic milestone for President Xi Jinping, highlighting revived bilateral ties and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Beyond commemorating World War II, the parade aimed to foster domestic pride, unify citizens around the state narrative, and reinforce the Communist Party's legitimacy by emphasizing China's victory and military modernization. The parade also reflected China's strategic focus on emerging military technologies, including autonomous drone swarms designed for potential operations against Taiwan, drawing lessons from conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. Analysts note that the parade's messaging extends beyond historical commemoration to reshape narratives about China and Russia's roles in combating so-called fascists and global bullies, projecting modern geopolitical ambitions. The event was tightly secured, with public access limited mostly to broadcasts, underscoring its political and symbolic significance.