The Chinese government has officially announced that a grand military parade will be held on the morning of September 3, 2025, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
This event marks a significant moment in China's modern history and military development, serving not only to honor the past but also to showcase the achievements of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) as it moves into a new era of modernization.
A Legacy of Military Parades
Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, there have been 17 large-scale military parades, 15 of which were held on National Day (October 1). From 1949 to 1959, China held annual National Day parades, totaling 11 during that period. Since the era of reform and opening-up, four additional major parades have been conducted:
- 1984 (35th anniversary of the PRC): the first appearance of the strategic missile force
- 1999 (50th anniversary): comprehensive display of the Army, Navy, and Air Force
- 2009 (60th anniversary): updated showcase of all branches and modernization
- 2019 (70th anniversary): introduction of DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles and other advanced strategic systems
In addition to these, China held two major commemorative parades:
- September 3, 2015: Marking the 70th anniversary of WWII victory, featuring foreign military representatives for the first time
- July 30, 2017: Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the PLA, held at the Zhurihe Training Base, with a focus on combat readiness and realism
September 3: A Day of Historic Significance
September 3, 1945, is officially recognized in China as the Victory Day of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, marking the formal surrender of Japanese forces in China.
This year's commemoration is especially significant as it marks the 80th anniversary of that victory. The Chinese government has announced that it will hold a grand military parade to honor this milestone, emphasize the importance of peace, and reaffirm China's support for the international order established after WWII.
Honoring the Post-War International Order
The parade also serves as a reaffirmation of the post-war international order founded on the victory of the Allied powers — China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union (now Russia) — over the Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan. These four nations, along with France, became the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
The Chinese government believes this international order, rooted in the Yalta system, including the Cairo, Tehran, Potsdam conferences, and the United Nations Charter, must be upheld. China does not recognize the Yalta secret protocols nor the Treaty of San Francisco, which it did not sign. China considers itself a staunch defender of the UN Charter and the principles of multilateralism, opposing any distortion of history.
High-Level Participation Expected
It is widely expected that leaders or high-level representatives from the other four permanent members of the Security Council — the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France — will attend the parade. If confirmed, figures such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer may stand together in Beijing, symbolizing a rare moment of global unity and historical reflection.
Press Conference: Parade Details Unveiled
At a State Council Information Office press conference on August 20, Major General Wu Zekuo, Deputy Director of the Parade Leading Group Office and Deputy Director of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, and Major General Xu Guizhong, Executive Deputy Director of the Parade Command Office, introduced the preparations for the parade.
Wu explained that this will be the first military parade since the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, led China into a new phase of Chinese-style modernization. It represents the PLA's progress toward its centenary goal and embodies the continuation of the great spirit of resistance and national pride in the new era.
The parade will last approximately 70 minutes and comprise two main parts:
1.Inspection Ceremony: Troops will be arrayed along Chang'an Avenue to be inspected by President Xi Jinping, who also serves as General Secretary of the CPC and Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
2.March-Past: Formations will pass Tiananmen Square in five sequential groups:
- Airborne flag escort
- Marching formations
- War flag formations
- Armored and mechanized formations
- Aerial formations
Parade Composition and Highlights
A total of 45 formations will participate in the parade, including:
- Airborne flag escort: Featuring multiple helicopter formations carrying flags, forming symbolic characters, and displaying banners — a tribute to national unity under the Party's leadership and the enduring legacy of the resistance spirit
- Marching formations: Representing both historical resistance units (e.g., Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army) and modern joint-force systems
- War flag formations: Displaying flags of units that fought heroically during the war, each flag representing a story of sacrifice and valor
- Armored formations: Organized by combat clusters — land, sea, air defense, cyber warfare, unmanned systems, logistics, and strategic strike units — many featuring new-generation systems and "national strategic assets"
- Aerial formations: Including early-warning aircraft, fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes. Many aircraft will make their public debut, showcasing the PLA Air Force's leap in combat capability
- A joint military band will perform iconic wartime songs such as "On the Songhua River" and "Defend the Yellow River", alongside newly composed works reflecting the spirit of the modern PLA.
Symbolism and Innovation
Key innovations in this year's parade include:
- New military flags: The parade will debut flags for China's four new arms — the Space Force, Cyber Force, Information Support Force, and Joint Logistics Force — completing the PLA's "4 services + 4 arms" structure
- Unmanned and intelligent systems: A significant presence of autonomous, AI-enabled, and anti-drone systems
- Peacekeeping forces: A dedicated formation will represent China's 35 years of participation in UN peacekeeping missions
Training and Logistics
Major General Xu Guizhong emphasized the military value of the parade, with training designed to simulate joint force operations:
- Over 10,000 troops, hundreds of ground vehicles, and more than 100 aircraft are involved
- Training employed Beidou satellite systems, AI-assisted evaluations, and simulated combat scenarios
- Equipment management used intelligent maintenance systems, health monitoring, and standardized protocols, ensuring reliability and combat readiness
Minimizing Disruption to Citizens
Xu noted that parade preparations were carefully planned to minimize interference with Beijing residents' lives, including:
- Choosing training locations away from dense urban areas
- Scheduling rehearsals on weekend nights
- Coordinating transport logistics to reduce road and airspace disruptions
- Working closely with city authorities to fine-tune every detail of movement and security
A Global Message for Peace
"The war was a mirror that reminds us of the value of peace," Wu Zekuo said. "We commemorate victory to defend peace."
He emphasized that the parade is a solemn declaration of China's enduring commitment to:
- Upholding the truth of WWII history
- Preserving post-war international order
- Opposing hegemony and unilateralism
- Promoting fairness, justice, and multilateralism
The September 3, 2025 parade is more than a military display — it is a powerful national and international statement. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of one of humanity's greatest victories, it honors those who sacrificed for peace, reaffirms China's global responsibilities, and showcases a confident, modern People's Liberation Army.
As the world watches, the parade will deliver a message that resonates far beyond Tiananmen Square: Justice will triumph. Peace must be defended. History must be remembered.
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