China will showcase an array of highly advanced weaponry, including unmanned intelligent systems, underwater combat units, cyber and electronic warfare systems, and hypersonic weapons at the military parade in Tiananmen Square of Beijing to be held on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of its supposed victory over Japan in World War II.
The parade, which will also include conventional weapon systems and equipment, is aimed at showcasing the military prowess of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
China has the world's largest standing military with more than two million members and an increasingly sophisticated arsenal of missiles, aircraft carriers and fighter aircraft.
President Xi Jinping will inspect the troops and deliver a speech during the parade, which will also be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, said the parade will feature marching formations, armoured columns and aerial echelons, showcasing both traditional main battle forces and new-domain forces with new combat capabilities, according to news agency Xinhua.
According to Wu, the parade is aimed at demonstrating the ability of the Chinese military to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare and technological trends.
Only domestically produced weapon systems will be displayed at the event. All the weapons that will be showcased will be selected from operational units of various military branches.
According to WU, the weapons on display will cover all types of capabilities, including air defence and missile interception, command and control, reconnaissance and early warning.