China Expected To Unveil “World’s Most Powerful Laser,” New Hypersonic “Eagle” Missiles At Military Parade

Beijing is set to display a range of previously unseen advanced weaponry during a military parade in Tiananmen Square on September 3, signaling its growing military prowess amid heightened tensions with the U.S. over the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

Satellite imagery circulating on social media indicates that the parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, will showcase several new anti-ship missiles, including the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20, with “YJ” standing for “Ying Ji” or “Eagle Attack.” Some of these missiles are believed to be hypersonic, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, posing a potential challenge to naval defenses.

“China must bolster its anti-ship and anti-aircraft carrier capabilities to counter potential threats to national security from the United States,” said Song Zhongping, a former Chinese army instructor and military commentator, in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Beyond missiles, China is expected to debut at least two unmanned underwater vehicles, designated “AJX002.” The parade may also feature the HQ-29, described by experts as a “satellite hunter” capable of intercepting missiles at altitudes up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) outside Earth’s atmosphere, according to AFP. Additionally, a post from the X account “Zhao DaShuai,” linked to the Chinese military, touted what it called “the world’s most powerful laser air defense system.”

The military display, which will involve more than 10,000 personnel, is slated to last only 70 minutes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin to observe the parade. Among the attendees is also North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, making a rare international appearance and his first visit to China since 2019. Myanmar’s military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in a 2021 coup, will also be present. Other heads of state include Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, as well as the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe. From Europe, the only two leaders that will attend are Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, the Associated Press reports.