BEIJING — In celebration of the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, China is set to showcase its military prowess with a parade on September 3. This event will highlight the latest advancements within the People’s Liberation Army’s arsenal.
The ceremony, presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also controls the military, promises to reveal an array of “new-type combat capabilities.” Amongst these are hypersonic weapons and sophisticated electronic systems, according to Wu Zeke, a senior officer from the PLA, reflecting Communist Party oversight of the military.
The People’s Liberation Army, which stands as the globe’s largest military force with a membership exceeding 2 million, boasts an expanding and ever-more sophisticated array of military hardware, including missiles, aircraft carriers, and fighter jets.
Military parades have consistently been a favored format for celebrations under Xi’s leadership, typically commemorating key historical events, such as the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949, Japan’s capitulation, and the PLA’s founding. These events feature meticulously trained marching units, as well as impressive displays of armored vehicles and aerial prowess.
According to Wu, showcasing the latest generation of weaponry underscores the PLA’s “strong ability to adapt to technological trends and evolving warfare,” emphasizing its readiness to succeed in future conflicts, as reported by official Chinese media.
Reflecting on historical conflicts, Japan’s invasion of China in 1937 resulted in the conquest of much of eastern China. The struggle against Japan primarily involved the Nationalists, who later relocated to Taiwan after being ousted from the mainland by the Communists.
China’s expansive military enhancement efforts are largely directed at reclaiming Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province, as well as aiming to surpass the United States as the dominant military power in the Asia-Pacific region.