Xi Jinping Leads Grand Military Parade as China Marks 80th Victory Day

Xinhua

Beijing: China concluded its Victory Day celebrations with a spectacular military parade at Tiananmen Square, marking the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II and the Chinese people’s resistance against Japanese aggression. The sky above central Beijing was filled with 80,000 doves and 80,000 balloons, symbolizing peace and prosperity. President Xi Jinping, waving to crowds as the patriotic song “Ode to the Motherland” echoed, inspected the troops and presided over the parade.

Xi Jinping’s Call for Peace and Unity

In his keynote speech, President Xi said the 1945 victory was modern China’s first complete triumph against foreign aggression, achieved at great human cost, with over 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians lost—nearly one-third of total global WWII casualties. He emphasized that China’s national rejuvenation is unstoppable, and humanity’s mission of peace and development will prevail. Xi urged all nations to eliminate the root causes of war and prevent history’s tragedies from recurring. Calling for unity under the Communist Party of China, he reaffirmed China’s path of peaceful development despite global tensions.

High-Level International Participation Including Pakistan

China extended high-level courtesy to Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joining President Xi Jinping, President Vladimir Putin, and DPRK Chairman Kim Jong Un in leading international guests onto the Tiananmen Rostrum. PM Shehbaz, along with other leaders, shook hands with Chinese veterans who had participated in the anti-fascist war during World War II. Notably, PM Shehbaz was the third-to-last leader greeted by President Xi upon arrival, highlighting Pakistan’s special diplomatic position.

Global Leaders in Attendance

More than 20 world leaders joined President Xi on the Tiananmen Rostrum, and families of veterans from Russia, the U.S., U.K., France, and Canada—nations that supported China during the war—were also invited to the historic event.

A Show of Military Strength and Modernization

Over 10,000 troops, 100 aircraft, and hundreds of tanks, artillery, and missile systems participated. For the first time, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) unveiled its triad nuclear deterrent, featuring:

• The Jing Li-1 air-launched missile
• The JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile
• The DF-61 and new DF-31 land-based ICBMs

China also displayed advanced hypersonic missiles, unmanned systems, anti-drone technologies, directed energy weapons, and electronic warfare systems, showcasing the results of military reforms under Xi’s leadership. Helicopters flew banners reading “Justice Prevails,” “Peace Prevails,” and “The People Prevail”, while marching formations exuded confidence and pride.