China to unveil new military hardware during World War II commemoration parade next month

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - China announced Wednesday that it will unveil new military hardware during a World War II commemoration parade in September.

Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, said the parade will demonstrate only Chinese-made active-duty main battle equipment, the state-run China Global Television Network (CGTN) reported.

The hardware on display includes advanced fourth-generation systems such as new-generation tanks, carrier-based aircraft, and fighter jets, as well as selected land, naval, and aerial unmanned intelligent systems and counter-unmanned equipment.

New strategic forces such as cyber-electronic warfare units, including advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, directed-energy weapons, and electronic warfare systems, as well as multiple cutting-edge systems spanning hypersonic weapons, air and missile defense systems, and strategic missile assets, will also be featured in the parade.

According to Wu, the equipment will demonstrate the military's ability to adapt to technological advancements and shifting warfare paradigms in order to secure victory in future conflicts.

The World War II commemoration parade will be the People's Liberation Army's first major public display of its latest generation of weapons since the 2019 National Day parade.

China will hold the parade in Tiananmen Square on Sept. 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Beijing refers to World War II as the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.