China unveils advanced weapons at military parade attended by Putin and Kim
New Delhi, Sept 03: China showcased an array of advanced military technology, including nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, laser systems, and giant underwater drones, during a massive parade in Beijing. According to a BBC report, the event underlined Beijing’s ambitions to project military strength and signalled potential implications for Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.
The parade, staged along Changan Avenue in central Beijing, brought together thousands of soldiers from different branches of the People’s Liberation Army. For the first time, three leaders, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were seen at the same international event, alongside 26 heads of state. The meeting of the three leaders has drew global attention as many political analysts and media correspondents are highlighting its geopolitical significance.
Among the weapons unveiled were a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, a road-mobile launcher for hypersonic weapons, a cutting-edge laser system, and robotic dog drones. Analysts noted that China’s investment in hypersonic glide vehicles and cruise missiles, such as the YJ-17 and YJ-19, places it ahead of the United States in certain areas of weapons development, reports BBC. The presentation also included the AJX002, an 18-metre-long underwater drone designed to carry nuclear payloads.
Despite still lagging behind Russia and the United States in the overall size of its nuclear arsenal, China is rapidly expanding both the quantity and sophistication of its missile forces. Defence experts expect the parade to be closely studied by the Pentagon, New Delhi and other militaries worldwide.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s participation drew further attention. He arrived in Beijing on Tuesday aboard his armoured green train, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, whom South Korea’s intelligence services have identified as his likely successor, reports BBC. During the parade, Kim was seen speaking with Xi and later met Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, inviting him to visit Pyongyang, according to reports. He also greeted Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, marking their first public appearance together.
The parade served as both a display of China’s growing technological prowess and a reminder of its strategic partnerships. Political observers say even though Beijing’s nuclear capabilities remain smaller than those of Washington or Moscow, its progress in advanced systems such as hypersonics, lasers, and autonomous weapons reflects its determination to modernise its military and challenge existing power balances.
The BBC reported that the event coincided with US criticism, with President Donald Trump posting on Truth Social to accuse Xi, Putin, and Kim of conspiring against American interests. For several geopolitical analysts and observers, the Beijing parade was more than a ceremonial show of force.
It offered clues about China’s long-term military strategy, particularly its posture towards Taiwan, and underscored the shifting dynamics of global power in Asia.
