Beijing (Republikpk.com) At a massive military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan in World War II, China showcased an array of advanced weaponry, including laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles, and giant underwater drones.
In a direct address from Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared, “China will not be stopped, nor will we be afraid of bullies.” His message underscored a new era of military strength and global assertiveness.
Beyond the hardware, the parade’s significance was highlighted by the attendance of 26 heads of state. Notably, the event brought together leaders who are rarely seen in public together, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The presence of these figures, alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, signaled a strengthening of non-Western alliances.
The new weapons on display sent a clear message to the world. Among them were hypersonic gliders, the YJ-21 anti-ship cruise missile, and the submarine-launched JL-3 ballistic missile.
Perhaps the most concerning for Western observers were China’s new nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). According to defense analyst Alexander Neill, these long-range missiles can carry multiple warheads and are designed to target the American continent.
China also unveiled the Dongfeng-26D missile, nicknamed the “Guam Killer.” This intermediate-range missile is capable of striking aircraft carrier groups and U.S. military bases in the Pacific, particularly the strategic base on the U.S. territory of Guam. This capability could serve as a “launch pad” for military operations against the U.S. in a potential conflict.
Another new weapon, the LY-1 laser system, was mounted on an armored truck. Neill noted that this laser is powerful enough to disable or even burn out enemy electronics and has the capacity to blind rival pilots.
The parade also featured large, autonomous underwater vehicles (UUVs) capable of descending 18-20 meters. These submarine-like drones could be used for command and control or reconnaissance during an attack on an enemy fleet. The parade also introduced new drone platforms mounted on tanks, autonomous drones, and “robotic dogs.”
In a notable first, Chinese fifth-generation fighter jets were shown taking off from a coastal runway and flying over the sea. Neill interpreted this as a new development that demonstrates China’s growing capability to launch land-based strikes from its aircraft carriers, further extending its power projection at sea.
The public interaction between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the event also drew significant attention from international observers.
(Source: BBC, Reuters, CGTN)