Key points
- China to unveil cutting-edge weapons at Beijing’s military parade.
- Parade signals challenge to U.S. dominance and highlights new ICBMs.
- Putin and Kim to join Xi in the show of alignment against the West.
BEIJING: China will unveil a formidable array of new weapons at a vast military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, in what analysts describe as both a commemoration of World War II and a direct signal of its challenge to U.S. military dominance.
According to AFP, the September 3 event at Tiananmen Square will feature advanced anti-ship missiles, unmanned underwater vehicles, anti-missile systems, a new generation of nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, and what some observers believe could be the world’s most powerful laser weapon.
President Xi Jinping will preside over the parade, with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and other leaders watching from the stands.
Missiles to counter U.S. carriers
Four new “Ying Ji” (Eagle Attack) anti-ship missiles — the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20 — are expected to headline the display. Some of the models are believed to be hypersonic, capable of flying at least five times the speed of sound, and designed to inflict critical damage on large vessels such as U.S. aircraft carriers.
Underwater ‘robot torpedoes’
Also on show will be extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs), one reportedly nearly 20 metres long. China has built the world’s largest programme of such vehicles that analysts say could offset its disadvantage in traditional surface naval power.
Anti-missile shield and satellite hunter
The HQ-29, mounted on a wheeled launcher, is being described by Chinese commentators as a “satellite hunter,” with potential to intercept ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere and disable low-orbit satellites.
Mystery laser system
The South China Morning Post reported that a massive camouflaged vehicle seen in rehearsals may house a laser-based air defence weapon. A Chinese military-linked account has claimed it to be the most powerful system of its kind worldwide.
Strategic deterrence will also be highlighted, with intercontinental ballistic missiles expected to roll past in formation. Analysts believe China will present a new generation of nuclear weapons aimed at “equalising the balance” with the United States.
Next-generation tanks and armoured vehicles are set to join the march, including a battle tank reportedly smaller and faster than the Type 99A, which has been the PLA’s mainstay since 2011.
Diplomatic spectacle
The Guardian noted that the guest list, which includes Putin, Kim, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing, represents signalling alignment among states facing Western sanctions. Western representation is sparse, with only Serbia’s president and Slovakia’s prime minister due to attend. The South China Morning Post reported that the U.S. ambassador will skip the event altogether.
Narrative and symbolism
The Washington Post said Beijing is coupling the parade with a campaign to recast WWII history, emphasising China’s role while minimising that of the United States. Observers see this as part of Xi’s broader nationalist agenda.
Beijing under lockdown
According to Le Monde, sweeping restrictions are in place for the parade, which include sealing of major avenues, tightening of airspace, and turning schools to remote learning mode. The PLA’s formations will march in “joint combat groupings,” designed to mirror real battlefield deployments.
As the missiles, drones and tanks roll past Tiananmen Square, the symbolism will be unmistakable: a China asserting that its rise as a military superpower is not a prospect but a present reality.
