China's Military Might on Display: Insights from the Recent Parade

Thu Oct 23 2025 08:39:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A massive military parade in China showcased new weaponry and strategic partnerships, highlighting the country's evolving military capabilities and its strategic positioning against the US.

During a grand military parade, China unveiled various advanced military technologies including missiles, drones, and AI-driven weapons as a clear message to the US and its allies. The event, attended by global leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, served to display China's military strength and unify its geopolitical stance. Observers noted that while China's technology advances rapidly, operational effectiveness in real combat remains a concern when compared to US military agility. Experts discussed key takeaways including China's focus on missile development, drone utilization, and the implications of its arms sales strategy.

A massive military parade in China recently revealed a plethora of advanced weaponry and military hardware, sending a distinct message to the United States and its allies regarding China's growing military capabilities. The event was notable for its attendance of over 20 foreign heads of state, including significant figures like Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

China's display was not only a demonstration of its military prowess with advanced technologies such as the 'Guam killer' missile and AI-driven drones but also revealed Xi Jinping's escalating power on the global stage. Experts weigh in on five significant takeaways from the parade.

1. China has a lot of weapons. How well can it deploy them?

The parade illustrated that China has made astonishing progress in weapon production, evolving from previously rudimentary copies to more innovative and diverse arms. Analyst comments highlight a significant shift in China's military technology, demonstrating advancements particularly in missile and drone capabilities.

2. China is focusing on missiles to counter the US

During the event, China showcased a new range of missiles designed to target the US military effectively. Weapons like the Dongfeng-61 and Dongfeng-26D were notable representations of this strategic focus on enhancing military deterrent capabilities against American naval dominance.

3. China is going all the way with AI and drones

Significant advances in drone technology, including the AJX-002 submarine drone and AI-powered operations, indicated China’s intent to innovate beyond conventional military strategies. This mirrors lessons learned from contemporary conflicts that emphasize the strategic value of swift drone deployment.

4. China may have the technology, but the US still has an edge

Despite impressive technological showcases, experts suggest that the US remains superior in operational execution due to its agile combat strategies that enable on-ground decisions to adapt in real-time.

5. The parade was a weapons sales pitch – and a chance to show the US a united front

By inviting heads of state to the parade, China effectively positioned itself as a serious arms supplier on the global stage. Strengthening alliances through military shows is a part of China's strategy to extend its geopolitical influence, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the US across multiple strategic frontiers.