MINSK, 3 September (BelTA) - A large-scale military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory over Japanese militarism and the end of World War II concluded at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China.
The parade, held on 3 September, was the culmination of a series of important events, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The ceremony lasted about 70 minutes.
Heads of state and government from two and a half dozen countries participated in the parade. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko was also in attendance.
Opening the parade, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid tribute to the participants of World War II and thanked foreign governments and overseas figures who provided support and assistance in repelling external aggression.
The Chinese leader noted that history reminds people that the whole world is connected by common interests and destiny. Only equal relations between countries and peoples can ensure universal security.
According to Xi Jinping, humanity today once again stands before a choice between war and peace. “Today, the whole world faces a choice between contradictions such as peace or war, dialogue or conflict. The Chinese people firmly uphold historical truth, standing guard over the progress of human civilization, steadily following the path of peaceful development, and making joint efforts with the peoples of the world to build a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity,” he stated.
More than 10,000 people participated in the event, with hundreds of aircraft and units of ground military equipment involved. Both traditional and new troops of the armed forces were represented, with a total of 45 formations appearing in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
Spectators saw advanced missile technologies, tanks, aircraft, and drone systems produced in China. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) showcased several types of next-generation aircraft, some of which were presented to the public for the first time. The PLAAF introduced intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles Dongfeng-5C, which are liquid-fueled rockets with a range covering the entire planet.
In addition to the Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Forces, the parade featured new military branches created in 2024 for the first time: the Aerospace Force, Cyber Forces, Information Support Forces, and Logistics Support Forces.
The parade showcased the latest Chinese aviation, including missile carriers, helicopters, fighters, and transport aircraft. Airborne flag bearers carried the Chinese national flag and the PLAAF flag over the capital. Helicopters formed the number 80 in the sky. To conclude the parade, 80,000 doves were released into the sky, symbolizing peace.
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