On Sep 3, 2025, history was made in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, when China conducted one of its largest military parades to date. The parade marked the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a moment to honour the past and reflect China’s ambitions for the future.
Thousands of disciplined troops, lines of advanced tanks, stealth planes, hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, and laser defense systems marched along the square in perfect order. The sight reflected not only military modernization but also the spirit of a nation that has grown out of adversity to world leadership.
President Xi Jinping, accompanied by global leaders reviewed the formations, highlighting both China’s global influence and the trust placed in its leadership. The parade was, without any doubt, a clear statement of China’s capability, resilience, and solidarity.
A Message of Peace, Justice, and Popular Power
Despite the fact that the parade was full of mighty weapons, the mood of the parade was not one of aggression but peace. During his keynote speech, Xi reminded everyone of the sacrifices made in the struggle against fascism and posed a straightforward but an important question of “peace or war.” His message was clear that China firmly believes in international peace, cooperation, and mutual respect among nations.
This sentiment was repeated not just in words but imagery as well. White doves and multicolored balloons were released into the air at one time which was a sign of harmony and hope. The ranks of the troops, chanting and marching with discipline, carried banners proclaiming: “Justice will prevail, peace will prevail, the people will prevail.”
This was not merely a military inspection. It was a moral statement that China’s growing strength is meant to safeguard peace, not challenge it. The symbolism made it clear: the nation’s modernization is a path towards shared, brighter future, not a tool for domination.
Commanding Respect at Home and Abroad
The parade also carried powerful political and diplomatic messages. Domestically, it underscored the national unity and pride, highlighting the strong bond between the People’s Liberation Army, the Communist Party, and the people. On the global stage, it demonstrated China’s confidence and its increasing influence as a stabilizing force in world affairs.
Newly unveiled weapons like the DF-61 hypersonic missile and JL-3 submarine-launched ICBM showcased strategic deterrence, while laser technology and cutting-edge drones showcased China’s capabilities. Even as these technologies stunned the world, the larger message was not aggression. It was reassurance that China is capable of standing tall in an uncertain world and that such military capabilities are a guarantee of peace and national security.
This message was reaffirmed by the presence of world leaders. Their attendance was a sign of respect for China’s ascendance and acknowledgement of its pivotal role in shaping the future. The parade at the same time reminded the world of China’s past history of resiliency, from its struggle against foreign intrusion to its current renaissance.
A Harmonious Blend of Might and Vision
What made this parade special was its balance. On the one hand, it presented China’s strength; the grandeur of its military modernization, the discipline of its soldiers, and the will of its people. On the other, it conveyed a clear vision of peace.
The cries of justice, peace, and people’s power were not hollow phrases. They embodied China’s philosophy which holds that real strength lies in preserving peace and building a future for all and not in conquests. The imagery of doves and the precision of the march blended into one cohesive story that China is powerful, but it exercises its power responsibly.
China’s Vision for the Future
The V-Day parade was more than a military event. It was a statement of national confidence, a remembrance of historic sacrifices, and an aspiration for peace in this uncertain world.
China demonstrated that it is not only a nation of growing power but also of profound commitment to harmony and justice. It was shown with discipline, innovation, and symbolic gestures of peace that justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail. More significantly, the parade illustrated the Chinese vision of world peace. China’s call for dialogue, cooperation, and respect for one another stood out as a potent alternative in a time when tensions and conflicts still pose a threat to the world.
It was also an opportunity to motivate the people of China. History, power, and hope were blended together to demonstrate how a country can turn its past setbacks into its future strength. It was a reminder for the Chinese people that they are essential to the country’s development.
Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF).
