China is preparing to showcase its largest-ever military parade in Beijing, drawing global attention not only for its cutting-edge weaponry but also for the sophisticated technology designed to command and control these systems in future conflicts. Alongside hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, and undersea drones, the parade will feature battlefield sensors, advanced radars, and air defense lasers. Analysts suggest this display serves as a strategic message—transparency meant to intimidate and deter rivals.
Despite the spectacle, questions linger about the operational effectiveness of China’s military. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has not seen combat since its 1979 border war with Vietnam, leaving doubts about its ability to integrate and deploy these advanced systems cohesively. Security expert Drew Thompson argues that while the parade may impress visually, it doesn’t necessarily reflect combat capability. He cautions that adversaries like the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan are unlikely to be swayed by the grandeur alone.
The parade unfolds amid rising tensions in East Asia, particularly around Taiwan and the South China Sea. China continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, while the island’s leadership firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty stance, insisting that Taiwan’s future lies in the hands of its people. Meanwhile, the U.S. and its allies are ramping up readiness for potential regional conflict, further intensifying the strategic atmosphere surrounding the parade.
Thompson notes that while major powers may remain undeterred, China’s display could influence perceptions among other nations, including India, Russia, and smaller regional players. The parade may also be aimed at shaping views within certain U.S. political circles, particularly isolationists. “It’s not about the bling,” Thompson explains, “but the effect the bling has on the observer—suggesting China is too formidable to challenge and that U.S. interests may not justify the risks of confrontation.”
