China’s 2025 Parade: Xi, Putin, and Kim Showcase Hypersonic Missiles

On September 3, 2025, Beijing hosted its largest-ever military parade in Tiananmen Square, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the event, joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and 24 other world leaders, including Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian and Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing.

The parade, a powerful display of China’s military might, featured cutting-edge weapons and underscored Xi’s vision of a Beijing-led global order, with notable absences from major Western leaders due to tensions over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The 70-minute parade showcased over 10,000 troops, 100+ aircraft, and hundreds of ground vehicles, highlighting China’s advancements in military technology. Debuting weapons included the DF-61 hypersonic missile, dubbed the “Guam killer” for its ability to strike U.S. bases, and the Ying Ji anti-ship missiles designed to counter naval threats in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

Two extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs), approximately 60 feet long with stealthy torpedo-shaped hulls, were also unveiled, signaling China’s focus on naval dominance. Other displays featured laser weapons, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, and advanced drones, all domestically produced and in active service.

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The presence of Putin and Kim, marking their first joint public appearance with Xi, sent a clear message of solidarity among authoritarian powers. Kim, attending his first multilateral event since taking power in 2011, arrived via armored train with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and sister, Kim Yo Jong. Putin praised North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine, highlighting the deepening Russia-North Korea alliance.

Xi’s speech emphasized a global choice between “peace or war,” positioning China as a counterweight to U.S. influence amid Trump’s tariffs and geopolitical shifts. The event followed a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, reinforcing China’s regional clout.

Analysts described the gathering as an “Axis of Upheaval,” with China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran projecting defiance against Western sanctions and U.S.-led order. The parade doubled as a sales pitch for Chinese arms, attracting interest from allies like Myanmar and Serbia. Notably, Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic were the only Western-aligned leaders present, reflecting their pro-Russia stances.

The absence of leaders from the U.S. and major European nations underscored global divisions, with China leveraging the event to rally support from the Global South.

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Security in Beijing was tight, with central areas closed and residents displaced for rehearsals involving 40,000 personnel. The parade concluded with 80,000 doves and balloons, symbolizing peace, though Xi’s rhetoric and weaponry signaled military ambition. China’s $5 billion investment in the event, roughly 1.5% of its 2025 defense budget, drew criticism from Taiwan for prioritizing spectacle over economic challenges. Schools nationwide organized watch parties to promote patriotism, reinforcing the Communist Party’s narrative of China’s wartime role.

For crypto investors tracking geopolitical trends, Bybit offers real-time analytics to monitor markets impacted by such events. The parade highlights China’s growing military and diplomatic influence, potentially affecting global stability and trade. Stay informed and trade smart with Bybit’s platform.