March-past of China's V-Day parade begins with flag-guarding echelon flying over Tian'anmen Square

Xinhua/chinadaily.com.cn
Updated: 09:48 AM (GMT+8) Sept 3, 2025
A flag-guarding echelon attends a parade during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- The march-past of the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War began in Beijing on Wednesday.

A flag-guarding echelon attends a parade during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Du Lianyi/chinadaily.com.cn]

An air echelon flew over Tian'anmen Square, escorting flags of the Communist Party of China, the People's Republic of China, and the People's Liberation Army.

The flag-guarding echelon flies over Tian'anmen Square during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Another air echelon, consisting of 26 helicopters, followed in a formation that formed huge numerical shapes of 8 and 0, symbolizing the 80th anniversary of the victory.

The flag-guarding echelon flies over Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Su Dong/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Three helicopters flew by with banners that respectively read "Justice prevails", "Peace prevails" and "The people prevail."

The guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. [Photo/Xinhua]

PLA guards of honor formation marches through Tian'anmen Square

BEIJING -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guards of Honor formation marched through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade, escorting flags of the Party, the nation and the PLA.

The guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

PLA Army formation marches through Tian'anmen Square

BEIJING -- The Army formation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) passed through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's military parade.

The formation is composed of service members with expertise across a range of military specialties, including armor, infantry, artillery, air defense, reconnaissance, security, maintenance, and vehicle operation.

The formation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy marches through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

PLA Navy formation marches through Tian'anmen Square

BEIJING -- The formation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy marched through Tian'anmen Square in China's V-Day military parade on Wednesday.

Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

PLA Air Force formation marches through Tian'anmen Square

BEIJING -- The formation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force passed through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade.

Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The formation is composed of an Air Force unit whose predecessor took part in major battles led by the Communist Party of China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

PLA Rocket Force formation marches through Tian'anmen Square

BEIJING -- The formation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force marched past Tian'anmen Square Wednesday morning in China's V-Day military parade.

The Rocket Force, renamed from the Second Artillery Force in December 2015, is the core force of China's strategic deterrence.

The formation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s Aerospace Force marches through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

PLA's aerospace, cyberspace, information support forces debut in parade

BEIJING-- The People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s Aerospace Force, Cyberspace Force and Information Support Force made its debut in Wednesday's V-Day military parade through Tian'anmen Square.

The formation of the People's Armed Police Force takes part in a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Armed Police Force formation marches through Tian'anmen Square

BEIJING -- The formation of the People's Armed Police Force passed through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's military parade.

The PLA's four service formations, four arm formations and the formation of the Armed Police Force held their respective flags, making a group debut during the parade.

The hero units' banner formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hero units' banner formation marches through Tian'anmen Square

BEIJING -- The banner formation showcased 80 honorary banners of the hero units of the resistance war against Japanese aggression in Wednesday's V-Day parade, bearing the glory from the past.

The hero units' banner formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]
The ground assault formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China showcases new-generation tanks in V-Day parade

BEIJING -- A ground assault formation consisting of new-generation armored vehicles of the PLA Army, including Type-100 tanks and Type-100 fighting vehicles, passed through Tian'anmen Square.

The long-range artillery formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China showcases long-range artillery at V-Day parade

BEIJING -- A long-range artillery formation passed through Tian'anmen Square in China's V-Day parade. The two types of 191 long-range box-shaped rocket artillery can carry out battle-level strikes and tactical support, which expand the boundaries of ground combat.

The ship-based air defense weapons formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China unveils carrier-based air defense weapons at V-Day parade

BEIJING -- Four types of carrier-based air defense equipment made appearance at China's V-Day parade, which compose a multi-layered system for air defense covering all ranges.

The ship-based air defense weapons formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The anti-ship missile formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hypersonic anti-ship missiles debut in China's V-Day parade

BEIJING -- China's hypersonic anti-ship missiles, including YingJi-19, YingJi-17 and YingJi-20, passed through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day parade. The formation also included YingJi-15 missile.

The air defense weaponry formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China showcases air defense weaponry in V-Day parade

BEIJING -- A series of China's air defense weapons, including HongQi-20, HongQi-19 and HongQi-29, made an appearance in China's V-Day military parade on Wednesday.

The air defense weaponry formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

These systems are capable of multi-phase and multi-layered missile interception, as well as air defense at long, medium and short ranges.

The anti-unmanned aerial vehicles formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's anti-UAV systems appear in V-Day parade

BEIJING -- China showcased its anti-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) systems in Wednesday's V-Day parade. The formation included anti-UAV missile-gun integrated system, high-energy laser weapons, and high-power microwave weapons.

The anti-unmanned aerial vehicles formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The three types of weapons form the powerful "trio" in the PLA's anti-UAV system.

The cyberspace warfare formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China unveils cyberspace warfare equipment in V-Day parade

BEIJING -- China unveiled its cyberspace warfare equipment in Wednesday's V-Day parade. The four types of equipment being reviewed can consolidate cyber defense, and empower all-domain operations.

The electronic countermeasures formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China unveils electronic countermeasures in V-Day parade

BEIJING -- China showcased electronic countermeasures in Wednesday's V-Day parade. The five types of electronic countermeasure equipment included in the formation are capable of aerial and space defense and countermeasures, and disconnecting enemy networks and breaking digital chains.

The electronic countermeasures formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The information support formation marches through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Information support formation passes through Tian'anmen Square

BEIJING -- China's information support equipment was unveiled in Wednesday's V-Day military parade. The formation included vehicles of cloud computing, digital intelligence, air-ground networks, and integrated information. They can quickly establish new types of cyber systems to support joint operations.

The sea-based unmanned warfare formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China unveils new types of unmanned maritime weapons in V-Day parade

BEIJING -- Sea-based unmanned warfare equipment, including China's new-type unmanned underwater vehicle, boat and mine-laying system, made an appearance in Wednesday's V-Day parade.

The sea-based unmanned warfare formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]
The airborne unmanned combat formation passes through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China unveils advanced drones in parade

BEIJING -- China's reconnaissance-and-strike drones, wingman drones, and unmanned ship-based helicopters passed through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade.

The airborne unmanned combat formation passes through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The weapons can carry out stealth assault, cover wide range, and collaborate autonomously.

The airborne unmanned combat formation passes through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]
The cruise missile formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China unveils cruise missiles in parade

BEIJING -- China unveiled ChangJian-20A, YingJi-18C, and ChangJian-1000 cruise missiles in Wednesday's V-Day military parade to showcase long-range precise strike and multi-domain deterrence capabilities.

The cruise missile formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

It is the first time the cruise missiles of the PLA Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force units form a joint formation in parade.

The hypersonic missile formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China exhibits hypersonic missiles in parade

BEIJING -- China's hypersonic missiles with all-weather combat capabilities -- YingJi-21, DongFeng-17, and DongFeng-26D -- passed through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade.

The hypersonic missile formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]
The nuclear missile formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China unveils nuclear triad for first time in parade

BEIJING -- China unveiled its land-, sea-, and air-based strategic forces as the nuclear triad for the first time in Wednesday's V-Day military parade.

The nuclear missile formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The triad included JingLei-1 air-based long-range missile, JuLang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DongFeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and new type DongFeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile.

The weapons are China's strategic "ace" power to safeguard the country's sovereignty and nation's dignity.

The nuclear missile formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]

China unveils nuclear missiles with global reach in parade

BEIJING -- China's liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles DongFeng-5C, which have a global strike range, passed through Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade.

The nuclear missile formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]
The early warning and command aircraft echelon flies over Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Early-warning, command aircraft echelons fly over Tian'anmen Square in parade

BEIJING -- Early-warning aircraft KongJing-500A, escorted by J-16 fighter jets, and KongJing-600, escorted by aircraft carrier-based fighter jets J-15T, flew over Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade.

The bomber echelon attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Strategic bombers fly over Tian'anmen Square in parade

BEIJING -- China's strategic bombers H-6N flew over Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade.

Also showcased in the parade were H-6K and H-6J. These bombers are the PLA's air-based long-range strike forces.

The fighter jets echelon attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Fighter jets fly over Tian'anmen Square in parade

BEIJING -- China's fighter jets J-16D, J-20, J-35A, J-20S, and J-20A flew over Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade in two V-formations.

The fighter jets echelon attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Zhu Feng/chinadaily.com.cn]
The echelon of aircraft carrier-based fighter jets attends a parade during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Carrier-based fighter jets fly over Tian'anmen Square in parade

BEIJING -- China's carrier-based fighter jets J-15DH, J-15DT, J-35 and J-15T flew over Tian'anmen Square in Wednesday's V-Day military parade in two V-formations.

The trainer aircraft echelon flies over Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China concludes V-Day parade with aerobatic echelon

BEIJING -- Seven J-10 aerobatic jets flew over Tian'anmen Square to mark the end of Wednesday's V-Day military parade.

The trainer aircraft echelon attends a parade during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/chinadaily.com.cn]

The echelon staged an aerial display of 14 colored smoke trails, symbolizing the 14 years of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the bright prospects of 1.4 billion Chinese people striving for national rejuvenation.

The trainer aircraft echelon attends a parade during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo by Du Lianyi/chinadaily.com.cn]
The Joint Logistics Support Force formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]
The militia formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]
Chinese UN peacekeepers march through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. [Photo by Zou Hong/chinadaily.com.cn]

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