China showcases advanced weapons arsenal in massive military parade

China staged its largest-ever military parade in Beijing, rolling out an array of advanced weaponry—including new nuclear missiles, drones, and laser systems—in a powerful display aimed at demonstrating its growing military dominance.

The spectacle unfolded in Tiananmen Square, where thousands of troops from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) marched in formation, accompanied by warplanes, helicopters, and columns of armored vehicles carrying state-of-the-art weapons. Nearly 10,000 PLA soldiers took part, including members of a newly introduced cyberwarfare division tasked with defending China against digital threats and foreign intrusion.
The event, attended by more than 20 world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was closely watched worldwide. President Xi Jinping, addressing a crowd of over 50,000 spectators, framed the parade as both a show of unity and a warning. “Today, humanity faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, cooperation or conflict,” Xi declared.
Cutting-Edge Weapons Revealed
Among the highlights of the parade was China’s LY-1 laser weapon, mounted on armored trucks. Analysts believe the system has the potential to disable satellites, disrupt enemy communications, or blind pilots by targeting aircraft sensors—underscoring China’s ambitions to dominate future high-tech warfare.
Unmanned systems featured heavily. Traditional drones were accompanied by AI-powered platforms, including the AJX002 submarine drone, a massive 65-foot-long underwater vehicle designed for reconnaissance and surveillance. Stealth drones such as the GJ-11 were also presented, capable of operating alongside fighter jets in coordinated missions.
In a more unconventional display, the PLA unveiled robotic quadrupeds, dubbed “robotic wolves.” These four-legged machines could be deployed in mine-clearing operations, reconnaissance, or even direct combat roles, highlighting China’s focus on integrating robotics into battlefield operations.
New-Generation Nuclear Missiles
The centerpiece of the parade was China’s latest nuclear-capable arsenal. The DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)—an upgraded variant of the Dongfeng-5—was showcased for the first time. With an estimated range of 12,400 miles, it can carry up to 12 independently targetable warheads, giving Beijing the ability to strike virtually any point in the United States.
Another major addition was the DF-61 ICBM, which can be launched from mobile platforms, significantly increasing its survivability in a conflict. While specific details remain secret, earlier versions boast ranges exceeding 7,500 miles and the capacity for multiple warheads.
Naval-based nuclear systems were also highlighted, including the JL-1 and JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, designed to extend China’s nuclear deterrence to the seas and secure its second-strike capability.
A Message to the World
Defense experts say the parade served not only as a domestic morale boost but also as a strategic message to Washington and its allies, amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and broader Indo-Pacific region. The sheer scale and technological sophistication of the weapons displayed reflect Beijing’s determination to challenge U.S. military superiority and assert itself as a global power.
While China maintains that its military modernization is defensive in nature, the event underscored the scale of its ambitions—and its readiness to showcase power on the world stage.