President Xi Jinping announced on Wednesday that China’s vision of “great rejuvenation” is beyond reversal. During a massive military parade in Beijing, he hinted at aspirations for Taiwan while showcasing advanced weaponry intended to rival American military might. “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable,” he declared, reinforcing China’s firm stance on national integrity and its ambitions toward Taiwan.
The 70-minute spectacle marked a significant anniversary: the 80th year since Japan’s surrender in World War II. Thousands of troops marched in formation through Tiananmen Square, accompanied by an impressive display of tanks, missile carriers, and drones. The pageantry served a dual purpose, combining historical commemoration with a display of military prowess.
Xi has set 2027—exactly 100 years since the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)—as the target for military modernization. This deadline has raised alarms among U.S. officials, who express concerns that it may align with preparations for an invasion of Taiwan.
The parade featured China’s complete nuclear triad. This included the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of striking targets over 12,000 miles away, effectively putting the U.S. mainland within reach. Analysts also scrutinized a new hypersonic missile, the DF-61, said to be mounted on a WS2400 truck, designed to evade American missile defenses.
Additional equipment demonstrated included submarine-launched ballistic missiles and long-range bombers, reinforcing China’s nuclear capabilities. The PLA also presented stealth drones like the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” and advanced AI-controlled tanks. Enhancements in underwater drones and other futuristic systems were equally striking, as were amphibious assault vehicles suggesting tactical readiness regarding Taiwan.
The highlights of the parade went beyond traditional arms, signaling a desire for comprehensive military capability. China emphasized its advanced cyber and space technologies, marking a clear aspiration to engage in multiple domains of warfare beyond conventional battlefields.
Xi observed the proceedings alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signaling a growing alliance among nations that are often at odds with the United States. This show of unity was further emphasized when, after the parade, Putin and Kim met privately to discuss their support for Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin reportedly expressed gratitude to Kim for backing Russia.
Reactions to the show of force varied. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te dismissed it as mere “psychological intimidation.” This display came shortly after the United States celebrated its military with its own parade—an event marking the Army’s 250th anniversary. Analysts noted that this synchronization indicates China’s intention not just to match, but eventually to surpass American military capabilities.
Overall, the parade exemplified Beijing’s commitment to military advancement alongside its continuing territorial ambitions. With a fortified arsenal and a clear set of objectives, China is signaling both its aspirations and its readiness to stand firm in the face of international scrutiny.
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