During a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, China unveiled a range of advanced weaponry, including submarine drones, hypersonic missiles, and laser systems. The event, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, underscored China’s growing military capabilities and its strategic partnerships with key allies. Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the audience, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to peaceful development while demonstrating its military advancements to assert global influence.
Among the highlighted weapons was the AJX002, a nuclear-capable submarine drone resembling a narrow vehicle with a propeller up to 65 feet long. This drone, designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, was accompanied by the GJ-11 stealth attack drone, further showcasing China’s technological prowess. The parade also featured hypersonic anti-ship missiles, which have been tested on mockups of U.S. aircraft carriers. These weapons, including the Yinji-1, Yinji-17, and Yinji-20, are of particular concern to the U.S. Navy, which operates in the western Pacific region.
In addition to drones and hypersonic missiles, China demonstrated high-energy laser weapons intended for countering drone attacks. These systems are part of a broader effort to develop defenses against emerging threats. The parade was followed by bilateral talks between Putin, Kim Jong Un, and Chinese officials, highlighting the strengthening ties among these nations. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, criticized the leaders in a social media post, accusing them of conspiring against the United States.
China’s military display comes in the context of its recent hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where Xi Jinping aimed to expand the organization’s influence and establish a development bank. The Chinese leader announced a cooperation platform and pledged $1.4 billion in loans for SCO members over the next three years, signaling China’s growing economic and geopolitical ambitions.