China's Military on Parade

On September 3, 2025, China will hold a victory day parade in Beijing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The parade comes during major modernization efforts across China’s strategic forces. The event is expected to reveal new capabilities, including hypersonic missiles, directed energy weapons, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, and air and missile defenses. Several heads of state are expected to attend, including those from several ASEAN states, Serbia, and Russia.

Following the parade, we will address: What new capabilities were unveiled? What do they mean for China’s strategic forces and posture in the region? How should the United States respond to China’s modernization efforts? To discuss these questions, please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a rapid response discussion on the parade and its implications for U.S. national security, featuring Heather Williams, director of the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues, Tom Karako, director of the CSIS Missile Defense Project, and Kari Bingen, director of the CSIS Aerospace Security Project.

This event is made possible by general support to CSIS.