China Prepares Major Beijing Military Parade Showcasing New Hypersonic Missiles, Drones

China is preparing for a massive military parade on September 3 in Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan in World War II, showcasing its advanced military capabilities and signaling its strategic ambitions. President Xi Jinping will lead the event, which will feature over 10,000 troops, 100 aircraft, and hundreds of ground vehicles, with notable attendance from Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompting some European diplomats to consider boycotting due to the Ukraine conflict. The parade highlights China's advancements in hypersonic missiles, including the YJ-series anti-ship missiles designed to target US naval forces, particularly aircraft carriers, as part of its Anti-Access/Area Denial strategy. New technologies such as large torpedo-shaped underwater drones, battlefield sensors, advanced radars, and laser weapons will also be displayed, emphasizing China's focus on high-tech warfare domains like cyberspace and electronic warfare. Analysts view these developments as moves to challenge US military dominance in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. The event is both a commemoration and a demonstration of China's growing military strength and readiness for future conflicts.