China today orchestrated its most ambitious military spectacle yet in Beijing, exhibiting cutting-edge systems—from hypersonic missiles and stealth jets to naval drones and a nascent nuclear triad. The parade, presided over by Xi Jinping flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, was both a domestic rallying cry and a bold signal to the world: China is ascending, and it is unyielding.

Display of Advanced Weaponry

The armed forces paraded a jaw-dropping array of modern platforms: hypersonic and intercontinental ballistic missiles, stealth aircraft, drone-killing countermeasures, underwater drone systems, and a growing nuclear triad. Analysts note that the inclusion of carrier-based electronic warfare jets (like the J15‑DT) and triad delivery systems reflect sophisticated lessons drawn from recent international conflicts.

Strategic Messaging Through Leadership

The rare convening of the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea under one roof communicated a strong signal of ideological and strategic unity. Surrounded by more than two dozen non-Western leaders, Xi emphasized peace—but coupled it with a defiant tone of sovereignty and resolve.

While the parade impressed millions, analysts underscore that the true efficacy of China’s military remains under scrutiny, given that most of its platforms have not been tested in real combat. The event, they say, balances between powerful domestic optics and strategic messaging.

Geopolitical Ripples

By elevating its military might during a week of high-profile diplomacy, Beijing reinforced its push for a new world order not anchored by Western hegemony. The lack of Western leadership attendance, contrasted with the presence of Putin and Kim, further underscored rising global divisions.

Meanwhile, in Taipei, President William Lai responded, asserting that “Taiwan does not commemorate peace with the barrel of a gun,” reaffirming the island’s commitment to democratic values over militaristic posturing.