Beijing witnessed a grand military parade on Wednesday as China marked 80 years since its victory in World War II against Japanese aggression. The parade, held at Tian’anmen Square, unveiled some of China’s most advanced weaponry, highlighting its growing military capabilities.

The event was attended by 26 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan personally welcomed the foreign dignitaries.

China displayed a wide array of deadly weapons, including the HQ-9C surface-to-air missiles, which are notable for their use by the Pakistani Army during past operations. The country also unveiled the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of striking targets worldwide with multiple independent warheads. Other missiles featured during the parade included the Yingji series, Changjian-20A, Changjian-1000, Dongfeng-17, Dongfeng-26D, and the HQ-22A missile system.

The parade also highlighted China’s advanced laser weapon systems and anti-drone technologies. The LY-1 ship-borne laser weapon, making its public debut, can damage optical sensors of enemy equipment. Drones capable of both aerial and underwater operations were also showcased, suitable for reconnaissance and combat missions.

In addition, Beijing demonstrated five models of stealth fighter jets: the J-20, J-20A, J-20S, J-35A of the PLA Air Force, and the J-35 for the PLA Navy. Over 10,000 military personnel participated in the parade, including Chinese peacekeepers who had served under the United Nations, making their first appearance in such formations.

The parade served as a show of strength and modernisation of China’s armed forces, attended by representatives of countries that supported China during the war, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Canada.