Long-range rockets, such as these ones shown in this 2009 file photo, were shown during the parade rehearsal. (Photo : Xinhua)
China’s most advanced weaponry, including an “aircraft carrier-killer” missile, have been spotted during the rehearsal for a military parade commemorating the end of WWII in Beijing on Sunday, showcasing what experts believe to be the government’s attempt to show greater transparency and confidence in the country’s armed forces.
More than 10,000 servicemen and women, approximately 500 military vehicles, and nearly 200 aircraft participated in the full-dress rehearsal for the military parade, which will be formally staged on Sept. 3 in Tiananmen Square, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
The parade will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, which is also known in China as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
The rehearsal, which took place from Saturday night to Sunday morning, saw the debut of the new weapons from the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Navy and Air Force, Song Zhongping, a military affairs commentator, said in an interview with the Global Times.
Song pointed out that one highlight of the parade is the large showcase for missiles, which would take up to six formations in the parade.
Seven types of missiles are expected to be rolled out during the parade, making it the largest demonstration of China's missile arsenal, according to Xinhua.
"The latest weaponry, [including] the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile that could reach a major U.S. base in Guam in the western Pacific and the most potent missile, the DF-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, were seen in the rehearsal," said Shao Yongling, a senior colonel from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Second Artillery Command College.
Shao also pointed out the presence of the DF-21D anti-aircraft carrier ballistic missile, the first time it was publicly displayed without its model number concealed.
Previous military parades typically avoided showcasing "sensitive" weaponry, and this surprisingly transparent rehearsal could indicate China's greater confidence in its military strength and project the image of a responsible world power, she said.
Fu Qianshao, a Beijing-based air defense expert, also noted the presence of the advanced J-15 jet fighter during the rehearsal.
The J-15, which is deployed on aircraft carriers, reaches world-class levels, Fu said.
The parade rehearsal also saw the first time foreign troops were invited to participate in a Chinese parade.
All formations, including troops from at least 10 nations from Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and WWII veterans were present, while around 35,000 guests observed the parade, according to a report from the Global Times on Sunday.
Two formations were dedicated to veterans from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Koumintang (KMT), while another two formations included the sons and daughters of fallen soldiers from both parties, the report said.
"This is the first time that the Chinese mainland invited KMT veterans to the military parade, indicating that the CPC, which put aside divided political views with the KMT, has attempted to seek common ground magnanimously," said Major General Luo Yuan, a vice president of the China Strategic Culture Promotion Association.
"Working together to combat Japanese forces some 70 years ago could serve as a paradigm for future cooperation," Luo added.
