Online Reporter
Nduduzo Tshuma in Beijing, China
CHINA on Wednesday showcased its latest military technology during its Victory Day (V-Day) parade here, displaying a wide range of advanced weaponry designed to strengthen its air, sea, and ground combat capabilities.
The parade, held at Tiananmen Square, not only commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression but also served as a strategic message of China’s growing military sophistication.
President Mnangagwa was part of the 26 invited Heads of State and one of two from Africa to take part in the celebrations.
Also attending the celebrations was Russian President Vladmir Putin, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong-un and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko among other leaders.
Part of the the highlights was a formation of electronic countermeasure systems, with five types of equipment capable of aerial and space defence, cutting enemy communication networks, and disrupting digital operations.
The display underscored Beijing’s focus on cyber and information warfare in modern battlefields.
The Chinese army also introduced its anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, featuring an integrated missile-gun platform, high-energy laser weapons and high-power microwave technology. Officials described the trio as a “powerful shield” against drone incursions.
Air defence took centre stage with the HongQi-20, HongQi-19, and HongQi-29 missile systems, offering multi-layered protection with interception capabilities across long, medium, and short ranges. Complementing them were four types of carrier-based air defence equipment, designed to provide all-range protection for China’s growing naval fleet.
The Chinese army also rolled out its hypersonic anti-ship missile arsenal, including the YingJi-19, YingJi-17, YingJi-20 and YingJi-15.
These missiles, travelling at speeds that make interception difficult, signal China’s intent to counter maritime threats and project power across regional waters.
On the ground, a long-range artillery formation featuring the 191 box-shaped rocket launchers demonstrated China’s ability to deliver tactical support and battle-level strikes over extended distances.
The showcase also included the latest Type-100 tanks and Type-100 fighting vehicles, representing the next generation of ground assault capabilities for the Chinese military.
The “military might” that has never seen combat and would not last a month against the USA and its allies.