China Showcases Military Might with Massive Parade

BEIJING: China Showcases Military Might with Massive Parade

China staged a grand military parade on Tuesday, displaying hundreds of advanced weapons systems and more than 10,000 troops in a show of force aimed at underscoring President Xi Jinping’s campaign to modernise the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Xi, dressed in military attire, reviewed formations of soldiers and addressed the parade, calling for a “world-class army” capable of defending China’s sovereignty and supporting its role as a global power. The display included long-range missiles, stealth drones, hypersonic weapons and the latest armoured vehicles, highlighting rapid advances in Chinese military technology.

The event was carried live on state television, with commentators emphasising national pride and unity under the Communist Party’s leadership.

Earlier

China has expanded its defence budget steadily for nearly three decades, making it the world’s second-largest military spender after the United States. In recent years, Beijing has invested heavily in naval expansion, aircraft carriers, and advanced missile systems designed to extend its reach across the Asia-Pacific region.

Military parades are traditionally used to mark national milestones. In 2019, Beijing staged a massive event on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, where it unveiled intercontinental ballistic missiles and new stealth drones.

Global Context

China’s growing military power has raised alarm among regional neighbours and Western governments. Tensions remain high in the South China Sea, where Beijing has expanded artificial islands and military outposts, and in the Taiwan Strait, where the PLA regularly conducts drills near the self-ruled island.

The United States has pledged to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific, while defence analysts say China’s military buildup is reshaping the regional balance of power. Beijing insists its modernisation drive is defensive, aimed at safeguarding sovereignty and deterring external threats.