China's 2015 “Nine‑Three” Parade: WWII Commemoration Meets Modern Military Might

The parade was framed by the Chinese government as a solemn tribute to the sacrifices of the anti‑Japanese war and a celebration of the “great spirit of resistance” that, according to official rhetoric, continues to guide the country. In 2014 Beijing had installed September 3 as a national Victory Day, and the 2015 ceremony served as the centerpiece of a broader campaign to embed that remembrance into the collective memory of a new generation. Organizers described the occasion as a “political ceremony” meant to highlight China’s pivotal role in the Allied victory and to reinforce the post‑war international order anchored by the United Nations.

Behind the pageantry, the parade was also a calculated display of China’s growing military capabilities. An early‑morning rehearsal on August 9‑10 saw roughly 22,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and support personnel move through the Square in preparation for a 70‑minute procession that would later feature more than 5,000 troops, dozens of marching bands, and a flotilla of awe‑inspiring equipment. For many observers, the show‑case of new weaponry was the most compelling element. The streets of Beijing witnessed the public debut of several next‑generation systems, including the YJ‑17 anti‑ship missile and its siblings, the YJ‑15, YJ‑19 and YJ‑20. Helicopter formations emblazoned with slogans and flags wove through the air, while airborne units demonstrated synchronized maneuvers that hinted at the PLA’s increasing emphasis on rapid deployment and joint operations.

Political leaders took center stage both on the podium and among the spectators. President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the commander‑in‑chief of the People’s Liberation Army, addressed the crowd, linking the historic victory to contemporary challenges and urging a “national rejuvenation” rooted in confidence and unity. The presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the parade’s diplomatic weight, while other foreign dignitaries—including Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli—joined the ceremony, signalling Beijing’s desire to project its narrative to a global audience. Notably, several Western leaders were absent, a fact that fed into broader analyses of shifting geopolitical alignments and the growing prominence of China‑Russia cooperation.

The spectacle was not limited to the Square. Domestic and international media broadcast the event live, with a flurry of commentary before, during, and after the procession. In Guangzhou, nearly 600 citizens gathered in a cinema to watch the parade on a giant screen, while social‑media platforms in China buzzed with excitement, anticipation and debate over the new armaments on display. Headlines in Chinese outlets hailed the “exciting 93‑parade,” and foreign outlets ran stories with labels ranging from “the West is stunned” to “global eyes on China’s ‘Nine‑Three’ grand military parade,” reflecting the mix of awe, curiosity and strategic concern the event provoked.

Beyond the symbolism, the parade had tangible impacts on everyday life in Beijing. To guarantee clear skies for the aerial displays, the municipal government ordered temporary shutdowns of factories and imposed stricter traffic controls in the days surrounding the event. The environmental measures improved air quality for the ceremony but also caused short‑term disruptions for businesses and commuters. Security was tightened across the city, with checkpoints and road closures affecting local residents and prompting a brief but noticeable slowdown in normal activity.

Analysts interpreting the parade’s broader significance have highlighted several intersecting narratives. Historically, the ceremony reinforced a Chinese narrative that positions the nation as a major contributor to the defeat of fascism, a claim that seeks greater recognition in the global memory of World War II. Politically, the display of modernized military hardware and the coordinated presence of high‑level officials sent a clear message of national strength and resolve, a point underscored by comments about China’s readiness to protect its sovereignty and its stance on the Taiwan question. Socially, the event cultivated a surge of patriotism, reminding citizens of the sacrifices of the Eighth Route Army, the New Fourth Army and countless ordinary soldiers who fought in the anti‑Japanese struggle.

While the parade’s direct economic impact was limited—aside from the temporary halt of certain industrial output to reduce pollution—the symbolism extended into China’s defense industry, which continues to benefit from the visibility of new platforms. Yet the primary purpose remained historical commemoration and geopolitical signaling, rather than a showcase of commercial achievement.

In the years since the 2015 “九三盛大阅兵,” the images of marching generals, gleaming missiles and the unified chant of “long live the motherland” have endured as a reference point for China’s evolving narrative about its past and its aspirations. The parade cemented September 3 as a day of national remembrance, while simultaneously reminding the world that China’s interpretation of its wartime legacy is inseparable from its contemporary drive for influence, security and global stature.