China is gearing up for a grand military parade in Beijing next month, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.
This event is poised to showcase China's burgeoning military prowess, with tens of thousands of troops expected to participate. The parade will feature a formidable array of aircraft and state-of-the-art weaponry, much of which has yet to be unveiled to the public.
As reported by American Military News, officials have highlighted that the parade will include fighter jets, bombers, and missiles capable of reaching speeds five times that of sound. Additionally, new tanks, early-warning aircraft designed to protect China's carriers, and vehicles aimed at countering drones will be on display.
The introduction of these advanced missile systems is likely to draw attention from the United States and its allies. Wu Zeke, deputy director of the military parade, emphasized, (The weapons and equipment) will fully demonstrate our militarys robust ability to adapt to technological advancements, evolving warfare patterns, and win future wars.
Military authorities have confirmed that a significant portion of the showcased arsenal will consist of newly developed equipment, although they have refrained from disclosing specific numbers regarding troops or weaponry.
The "Victory Day" parade, set for September 3, will span approximately 70 minutes and feature 45 troop formations. President Xi Jinping will oversee the proceedings from Tiananmen Square, accompanied by international dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The previous parade of this nature, held in 2015, saw the participation of over 12,000 soldiers, with contingents from nations such as Russia, Belarus, Mongolia, and Cambodia. While some veterans from Taiwan were present, most Western leaders opted not to attend.
In preparation for this year's event, Beijing has ramped up security measures, implementing checkpoints, road closures, and shutting down shopping malls and offices near the parade route. Rehearsals have been conducted on recent weekends, attracting tens of thousands of participants and onlookers.
For many involved, the parade holds personal significance. Staff Sergeant Lan Yu, 28, who has served in South Sudan as part of a U.N. peacekeeping mission, will be marching for the first time. Reflecting on the occasion, Lan remarked, This year marks my 11th year in the military, and its my first time representing the peacekeeping force in a parade.
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