China to stage massive WWII anniversary parade showcasing new weapons

China will hold a large-scale military parade in central Beijing next month to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two, in a display of power expected to feature tens of thousands of participants and newly developed weaponry.

Military officials said on August 20 that the event will include hundreds of aircraft ranging from fighter jets to bombers, as well as advanced armaments such as hypersonic precision-strike weapons capable of travelling at five times the speed of sound, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The parade, scheduled for September 3, will be the second of its kind since 2015 to commemorate Japan’s formal surrender in 1945. Analysts say it will underline China’s expanding military capabilities at a time of heightened concern in the West and among regional neighbours over the growing reach of the People’s Liberation Army.

Foreign military observers expect to see a new generation of tanks, early-warning aircraft, anti-drone systems and additions to China’s missile arsenal, particularly anti-ship and hypersonic variants.

“(The weapons and equipment) will fully demonstrate our military's robust ability to adapt to technological advancements, evolving warfare patterns, and win future wars,” said Wu Zeke, deputy director of the parade.

Officials did not disclose the number of troops or equipment due to take part, but confirmed that newly unveiled armaments will represent a substantial share of those on show.

President Xi Jinping will preside over the 70-minute “Victory Day” ceremony in Tiananmen Square, joined by foreign leaders and dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was also present in 2015.

At that earlier parade, more than 12,000 soldiers and 200 aircraft were involved, with contingents from Russia, Belarus, Mongolia and Cambodia among those marching.

Western leaders largely stayed away from the 2015 event, wary of endorsing Beijing’s demonstration of military power.

Then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declined to attend, though former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder were among the guests.

This time, organisers have not revealed which foreign leaders or troops will be present.

Security in Beijing has been tightened since rehearsals began earlier this month, with checkpoints set up, traffic rerouted, and public spaces temporarily closed.

Two major practice runs, involving tens of thousands of troops, police and spectators, have already taken place. Officials said preparations are now largely complete.

By Aghakazim Guliyev