China to Debut New Combat Forces at September 9 Military Parade

China will unveil new high-tech combat forces during a major military parade on September 9 in Beijing, showcasing capabilities in unmanned systems, underwater operations, cyber warfare, and hypersonic technology, Chinese state media reported Tuesday.

The parade, organized to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression and global fascism, will be held at Tiananmen Square and is expected to highlight the transformation of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into a modernized, technology-driven force.

The event will feature marching formations, armored columns, and aerial echelons. According to China’s State Council Information Office, these displays will emphasize recent reforms in the military's structure, equipment systems, and joint force capabilities.

“All equipment featured will be domestically produced and already in active service,” said Wu Zeke, deputy director of the parade’s organizing office. He added that the showcased systems will span strategic strike, reconnaissance, air defense, missile interception, firepower strike, and integrated support.

New domains of warfare—such as unmanned intelligence systems, underwater combat tools, cyber and electronic warfare assets, and hypersonic strike vehicles—will be on display for the first time.

Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times that the parade will underscore China's ability to develop, produce, and deploy a full range of modern weapons. “It shows the PLA is capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity using its own defense industry,” he said.

The parade will also feature troops from peacekeeping missions, intended to emphasize China’s stated role in maintaining world peace and its opposition to the resurgence of global fascism.

Chinese officials say the demonstration aims to reassure both domestic and international audiences of the country’s readiness and commitment to regional and global stability.

Wu noted that the weapon systems will parade in combat group formations to demonstrate joint operations supremacy and technological integration. “These new combat forces reflect China’s strategic focus on future warfare paradigms,” he said.