China will hold a large-scale military parade in central Beijing next month to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, an event set to unveil new weaponry “displayed to the outside world for the first time,” according to state media.

Hundreds of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, will take part, alongside ground forces equipped with the latest Chinese-made systems, military officials announced at a press briefing on Wednesday.

State news agency Xinhua reported that the parade will feature “joint armament formations” organised to reflect their real combat functions, covering land, air and naval forces.

The state-affiliated Global Times said the display will highlight “fourth-generation equipment as the core,” including advanced tanks, carrier-based aircraft, and modern fighter jets, structured into operational units to demonstrate the PLA’s integrated combat capabilities.

“All weaponry and equipment showcased are domestically produced, active-duty main battle systems,” the Global Times added. “This event represents a concentrated display of the new generation of Chinese military power.”

Expanding Arsenal in Focus
The parade, scheduled for 3 September, will be only the second such commemoration since 2015 to mark Japan’s surrender in 1945. Foreign defence analysts told Reuters they expect to see new technologies on display, including military trucks designed to counter drones, modern tanks, and early-warning aircraft intended to enhance the protection of China’s aircraft carriers.

Washington and its allies are expected to scrutinise the event closely for indications of China’s progress in missile development, particularly its growing arsenal of anti-ship and hypersonic weapons.

Ceremony and Security
The “Victory Day” parade will feature 45 military contingents and last around 70 minutes, passing before President Xi Jinping in Tiananmen Square. Xi will be joined by foreign leaders and dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also attended the 2015 anniversary parade.

Chinese authorities have already tightened security in the capital, beginning in early August with full-scale rehearsals. Checkpoints have been set up across Beijing, while traffic has been diverted and shopping malls and office blocks temporarily closed in preparation.

Source: Al Jazeera 

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