On 3 September 2025, a magnificent military parade took place on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World War II. Among the distinguished guests was President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as well as leaders from 26 countries, including Russia, North Korea, Türkiye, Iran, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The event began with a speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who officially opened the parade. He emphasized that humanity once again faces a choice: “between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, mutual benefit and zero-sum games.” The Chinese leader urged nations worldwide to address the root causes of conflicts to prevent the recurrence of past tragedies. “Global security is only possible through equality, harmony, and mutual support,” Xi Jinping said, addressing the 50,000 spectators gathered at Tiananmen Square.
The ceremony, which lasted 1 hour and 26 minutes, was a vibrant display of China’s military strength and unity. It featured 45 military units, totaling 10,000 personnel. Columns of modern military equipment marched across the square, showcasing the country’s technological advancements.
A particular highlight was the military orchestra, comprising over 1,000 musicians—the largest in the history of the People’s Republic of China since its founding in 1949. The orchestra performed classic military compositions alongside new pieces created specifically for the event.
The parade culminated in a symbolic gesture: 80,000 doves and 80,000 balloons were released into the Beijing sky, representing peace and hope for a stable future. The event concluded with the performance of “Ode to the Motherland,” a powerful final note to the celebration.
The Tiananmen Square parade not only honored the historical significance of the Victory but also served as a resounding call for peace, cooperation, and the resolution of conflicts for the common good. /// nCa, 3 September 2025 (photo credit – Xinhua)