China to showcase new weapons, military revamp

RTHK

12 hours ago

China to showcase new weapons, military revamp
Wu Zeke says the parade is meant to demonstrate China's national defence capabilities to the world. Photo: RTHK
China will showcase a large number of new weapons — and demonstrate a revamped military structure — at a major parade in Beijing next month marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
President Xi Jinping will review the troops lining up in formations along Chang'an Avenue during the September 3 parade.
At a news briefing on the parade's preparations, officials said a series of new weapons would be unveiled for the first time — from hypersonic precision-strike missiles to unmanned intelligent equipment operating on land, sea and in the air — along with electronic jamming devices, anti-drone systems, next-generation tanks and carrier-based fighter jets.
Officials said the joint armament formations would be arranged to reflect their roles in real-combat scenarios, as the parade debuts a new structural layout of the armed forces.
Wu Zeke, a senior officer at the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, added the parade is meant to demonstrate China's national defence capabilities to the world.
'War is like a mirror to show how valuable peace is. We are commemorating to defend peace in this military review. We're demonstrating to the world our national defence capability, to show to the world that the Chinese people cherish peace and are determined to defend the outcomes of the war,' he said.
Xu Guizhong, a senior official at the Political Work Department of the People's Liberation Army Central Theatre Command, said the preparations are being used as a chance to build combat discipline by training command coordination and support capabilities — particularly through high-intensity drills involving new equipment.
He added the parade itself helps to enhance PLA's capacity for joint operations by integrating multiple types of equipment and aircraft into single formations.
'Tens of thousands of people, hundreds of aircraft and hundreds of ground equipment will be mobilised for the parade. To ensure perfect alignment, precise coordination and flawless timing, it is no less than fighting in actual battle,' he said.
Officials said the 70-minute event will feature 45 formations and stressed that it is being organised in a strictly economical, practical and efficient manner to reduce costs.