Power, Ambition, and the World's Future in the Balance

China is preparing for its largest-ever military parade in Beijing, showcasing not only new weapons but also the technology needed to protect, control, and command them in a future conflict. The display will include advanced equipment like battlefield sensors on tanks, early warning and targeting radars, and air defense lasers. Some analysts view this as a display of transparency intended to deter potential rivals. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of China's armed forces, which have not been tested in a major conflict since the 1979 border conflict with Vietnam.

Security experts suggest that while the People's Liberation Army may unveil advanced weapons systems, China's potential adversaries may not be deterred by the parade's display. The focus is on the impact the display has on observers, signaling that China is too powerful to fight and that the risks of conflict with China outweigh the benefits for some. The parade comes amid heightened military tensions in East Asia, with China increasing deployments around Taiwan and the South China Sea, while the U.S. and its allies prepare for potential regional conflict.

The parade, dubbed "Victory Day," marks the end of World War Two. Chinese officials and state media often refer to the war as the "War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" and the "World Anti-Fascist War." The parade's deputy director stated that the weapons and equipment would demonstrate the military's ability to adapt to technological advancements and win future wars. To achieve this, China must integrate its military satellites, cyber, and electronic warfare capabilities, which are considered second only to the United States, to dominate its near seas.

The parade will feature an early warning plane, the KJ-600, capable of operating from China's aircraft carriers, crucial for carrier operations. China's jet fighters will also be closely watched, particularly following Pakistan's use of Chinese-built J-10C fighters in clashes with India. New cruise missiles, including the YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20, will be displayed, potentially deployed from bombers and ships, some with hypersonic warheads, which could complicate operations for U.S. and allied ships.

A new medium-sized tank, the ZTZ-201, equipped with advanced sensors and battle management systems, will also be showcased. A new torpedo-shaped sea drone, too large for ordinary submarines, has also appeared, suggesting China is tracking the U.S.'s underwater drone program. The emergence of this drone raises concerns about a potential conflict scenario involving Taiwan, as the ability to produce such weapons cheaply could quickly escalate the situation.