On September 3, 2025, China will host a massive Victory Day parade in Beijing, showcasing advanced weaponry like hypersonic missiles amid rising tensions with the US. This event, marking the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end, isn’t just a celebration—it’s a strategic display of military might, serving as a stern warning to nations challenging China’s interests. From Dongfeng missiles to drone countermeasures, the parade highlights China’s rapid modernization. As the US deploys Typhon systems in the Philippines and plans more in Japan, Beijing’s message is clear: back off or face consequences. Dive into the parade’s implications for global security.
As Beijing gears up for the September 3, 2025, Victory Day parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the event is set to unveil a array of cutting-edge military hardware. From hypersonic missiles like the Dongfeng-17 and Dongfeng-27 to advanced anti-ship systems, the parade isn’t mere pageantry—it’s a calculated response to escalating US military presence in Asia. With the US deploying Typhon mid-range missile systems in the Philippines in 2025 and eyeing Japan next, China’s display serves as a final warning: respect our red lines or risk conflict. This parade embodies 16 words: remember history, safeguard peace, showcase strength, declare justice. It underscores China’s resolve amid regional encirclement, blending historical remembrance with modern deterrence for global audiences.
Advanced Weapons on Display
China’s parade will feature an impressive lineup of domestically produced, active-duty weapons, emphasizing deterrence without revealing all capabilities. Key highlights include the Dongfeng-21D and Dongfeng-26, known as “carrier killers” for their anti-ship ballistic missile roles, capable of Mach 10 speeds and evading US defenses. These missiles, previously seen in drills, will parade alongside newer hypersonic variants like the Dongfeng-17 (glide vehicle with 1,800-2,500 km range) and Dongfeng-27 (up to 8,000 km range, targeting Guam).
Not all weapons will debut—some remain classified for strategic ambiguity. However, the showcased arsenal, including fourth-generation tanks, carrier-based aircraft, and J-20 stealth fighters, signals China’s shift to “systemized, intelligent, and combat-ready” forces. This includes unmanned drones, quadruped robots, and anti-drone systems on trucks, designed for modern warfare scenarios. The emphasis on hypersonics—speeds exceeding Mach 5—highlights China’s lead in evading interception, a direct counter to US naval assets.
These displays aren’t random; they’re tailored to current threats. For instance, the Dongfeng series’ anti-ship focus addresses US carrier groups in the Western Pacific, where speeds of 10-15 Mach at terminal phase make them nearly unstoppable. By parading these, China demonstrates “discover and destroy” capabilities, ensuring any aggressor understands the risks.
Response to US Military Deployments
The parade’s timing aligns with US escalations, particularly the Typhon mid-range missile system. Deployed in the Philippines in April 2025 as part of joint exercises, Typhon launches Tomahawk cruise missiles (up to 1,600 km range) and SM-6 missiles, threatening China’s South China Sea interests. Despite Beijing’s protests, the US plans similar deployments in Japan by September 2025, potentially extending to South Korea or Taiwan.
China views this as encirclement, pushing it “to the wall.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on August 29, 2025: “The US and Japan must respect other nations’ security concerns and refrain from introducing the Typhon system.” The parade counters this by showcasing missiles that outrange and outpace Typhon—e.g., Dongfeng-26’s 4,000 km reach targets US bases in Guam.
Analysts note China’s restraint: verbal opposition rather than immediate action. However, the parade’s “big killers” like hypersonics serve as a visual deterrent, warning that further deployments could trigger conflict. If deployed in South Korea, it risks North Korean response; in Taiwan, it guarantees Chinese intervention. This isn’t bluffing—China’s military spending hit $296 billion in 2024, closing gaps with US tech.
The message: US weapons like Tomahawk (subsonic, outdated) can’t penetrate China’s air defenses, while Beijing’s arsenal ensures mutual destruction.
Geopolitical Implications and Warnings
Beyond hardware, the parade carries a “final warning” tone, rooted in WWII lessons. It warns nations like the US, Japan, and Philippines against provoking China, emphasizing that war is “imminent” if pushed further. By displaying systems countering THAAD (deployed in South Korea in 2017, radar range 2,000 km), China shows past countermeasures succeeded—THAAD is now “cannon fodder.”
Geopolitically, this could reshape alliances. Allies like the Philippines overestimate US weapons, ignoring China’s advancements. A conflict would “reshuffle” the world order, with China holding legal grounds from WWII treaties. The parade reinforces justice: aggressors will face not just determination but overwhelming force.
Domestically, it boosts morale; internationally, it deters adventurism. As tensions rise, this event signals peace through strength, urging restraint to avoid a “reshuffling war.”
Conclusion
China’s 2025 Victory Day parade transcends commemoration—it’s a strategic assertion of power amid US provocations. By unveiling hypersonic missiles and anti-ship tech, Beijing issues a clear warning: encroach further at your peril. This display of military parity could stabilize the region if heeded, preventing escalation. For global stability, dialogue over deployments is key. Watch how the US responds; the stakes are a new world order.
