China’s Military Parade: Power and Global Concerns

China’s Military Parade Displays Capabilities and Concerns

Why in the News ?

China recently held a 70-minute military parade at Tiananmen Square, showcasing its modern weapons, drones, hypersonic missiles, and nuclear arsenal. The event highlighted Beijing’s growing defence capabilities, strategic concerns with the West, and its ambitions regarding Taiwan and global power projection.

China’s Military Parade: Power and Global Concerns

Context and Strategic Messaging:

  • The parade marked 80 years of the end of World War II, attended by leaders of 26 countries, including Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
  • President Xi Jinping invoked history to emphasize China’s strength and vowed that the nation would never be “bullied.”
  • The event projected loyalty of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to the Communist Party, reinforcing Mao’s slogan of the “Party commanding the Gun.”
  • China’s fear of Western containment was evident in Xi’s remarks on zero-sum games, signaling mistrust of the U.S. and its allies.
  • Beijing linked the parade with its long-term goal of “Great Rejuvenation” and reunification with Taiwan.

Weapons and Defence Capabilities:

  • The parade displayed 45 formations, highlighting both conventional and unconventional deterrence
  • Key weapons included the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, with possibly the longest range, and the Dongfeng-5C missile with a 20,000 km range.
  • Introduction of the YJ-19 hypersonic missile, powered by air-fuel mix, indicated advances in strike capability.
  • Drone warfare and robotics units such as “Sharp Sword” drones and robotic wolves underscored China’s adaptation to new-age warfare.

  • The PLA demonstrated its complete nuclear triad (land, air, sea-based nuclear capability), enhancing its deterrence profile.

Key Facts on China’s Military and Strategy”:

●     People’s Liberation Army (PLA): China’s armed forces, comprising tri-services and specialized support units.

●     Nuclear Triad: Capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, sea, and air platforms.

●     Hypersonic Missiles: Travel at speeds beyond Mach 5, reducing interception chances.

●     Dongfeng Missile Series: China’s family of long-range ballistic missiles with strategic importance.

●     Geopolitical Messaging: Military parades often serve as strategic signals to adversaries, allies, and global observers.