Beijing: China is gearing up for a massive Victory Day parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3, scheduled to start at 9 a.m. local time, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The official Xinhua news agency confirmed the timing, and the event is expected to showcase both China’s historical remembrance and its modern military capabilities.
President Xi Jinping will preside over the parade, delivering a keynote address and inspecting the troops. The event will feature a spectacular display of China’s armed forces, including advanced fighter jets, missile defense systems, and hypersonic weapons, reflecting the country’s rapid technological and military modernization over the past decades. Officials describe it as one of the largest military parades China has staged in recent years.
In a notable diplomatic dimension, 28 foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the parade, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezashkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik. Their presence highlights Beijing’s effort to use the event as both a commemoration of historical victory and a platform for strengthening strategic partnerships.
Observers note that the parade serves multiple purposes: projecting China’s military strength, honoring historical sacrifices, and sending a message of global relevance as the country positions itself as a central player on the international stage. Analysts suggest that the international attention drawn by foreign leaders’ participation further underscores the parade’s dual significance in military and diplomatic terms.
The Victory Day parade will be broadcast live, enabling viewers around the world to witness the impressive coordination of China’s armed forces and its commitment to commemorating a pivotal moment in modern history, while simultaneously signaling the country’s growing global influence.