On the morning of August 20, the State Council Information Office held a press conference to brief on the preparations for the military parade and answer questions. This parade marks the first military review since the comprehensive advancement of Chinese modernization entered a new journey, representing a fresh appearance of the People’s Army as it strides toward its centenary. Here are 20 key points at a glance→

The parade will last approximately 70 minutes

The parade activities will proceed in two steps: the review of troops and the march-past, lasting about 70 minutes. This parade will feature 45 formations (echelons).

Infantry formations reflect “one old and one new”

The infantry formations reflect “one old and one new.” “One old” refers to veteran units from the War of Resistance, with participants mainly drawn from units formerly known as the Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, and South China Guerrillas, as well as militias from provinces where anti-Japanese bases were located. “One new” refers to the new layout of military force structure, including the “three-in-one” armed forces system.

Equipment formations are organized according to joint combat readiness

The equipment formations are organized according to joint combat readiness, comprising land combat groups, maritime combat groups, air defense and anti-missile groups, information warfare groups, unmanned combat groups, logistics and support groups, and strategic strike groups.

Air echelons basically cover all main active combat aircraft types

The air echelons are organized in a modular and systematic manner, consisting of advanced early warning and command aircraft, fighter jets, bombers, transport aircraft, and others, basically covering all main active combat aircraft types, with some making their first public appearance.

Color guard bearers for the battle flag formation come from meritorious units

From countless heroes and numerous meritorious honor flags, flags of typical significance were selected from different periods, regions, and units, with color guard bearers from their respective units participating in the parade, symbolizing the continuous inheritance of the great spirit of the War of Resistance and the People’s Army’s fearlessness and perseverance.

This parade emphasizes combat readiness standards

This parade emphasizes combat readiness standards and focuses on joint requirements, using parade training to promote the development and improvement of joint operational capabilities.

The parade emphasizes scientific training, utilizing Beidou positioning and other aids

Emphasis is placed on using systems such as Beidou positioning and intelligent assessment, as well as simulation methods, to assist in basic training, formation training, air-ground coordination training, complex scenario training, contingency handling training, and training evaluation.

The new layout of military force structure is showcased for the first time in the parade

In this parade, under the guidance of the Party flag, national flag, and military flag, the reviewed formations will collectively display the military flag and the armed police force flag, marking the first concentrated showcase of the new layout of military force structure in a parade.

A large proportion of new equipment is making its debut in the parade

The weapons and equipment participating in this review are all selected from domestically produced active main combat equipment, with a large proportion of new equipment making its debut. Both ground and air equipment are systematically and mixedly organized, with some strategic heavy weapons, high-precision strike systems, unmanned and counter-unmanned equipment being publicly displayed for the first time, fully demonstrating the strong capability to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as to maintain world peace.

All reviewed weapons and equipment are domestically produced active main combat equipment

All weapons and equipment reviewed in this parade are domestically produced active main combat equipment, representing the concentrated appearance of the new generation of military equipment since the 2019 National Day grand parade. The main characteristics include a focus on new fourth-generation equipment, showcasing systemic operational capabilities; demonstrating new domain and qualitative combat power; and displaying strong strategic deterrence capabilities.

Focus on new fourth-generation equipment

Focusing on new fourth-generation equipment, such as new tanks, carrier-based aircraft, and fighter jets, organized according to combat modules to showcase systemic operational capabilities.

Reviewed equipment features high informatization and intelligence levels

The weapons and equipment reviewed feature high levels of informatization and intelligence, fully reflecting the ability to adapt to technological development and changes in warfare forms, and to win future wars.

Equipment formations specifically include new operational power groups such

Eighth Route Army

The Eighth Route Army was a major Communist-led force that fought against Japanese occupation in northern China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). It was formed from the Red Army as part of a United Front with the Nationalist government. Its history is a central part of the founding narrative of the People’s Republic of China, celebrated for its guerilla tactics and role in the Communist revolution.

New Fourth Army

The New Fourth Army was a major Communist military force during the Second Sino-Japanese War, formed in 1937 from Red Army remnants who had not made the Long March. It is historically significant for its guerrilla campaigns behind Japanese lines in Central China and for its role in the subsequent Chinese Civil War.

Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army

The Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army was a major Chinese guerrilla force formed in 1936 to resist the Japanese occupation of Manchuria. It was composed of various anti-Japanese volunteer armies and was later incorporated into, and led by, the Communist Party of China. Its arduous struggle is commemorated as a significant part of China’s World War II resistance history.

South China Guerrillas

The South China Guerrillas were Communist-led resistance forces who operated behind Japanese lines in Guangdong Province during the Second Sino-Japanese War. They are a celebrated part of local revolutionary history, known for their resilience in difficult mountainous terrain. Their legacy is commemorated at sites like the Dongjiang Column Memorial near Shenzhen.

Beidou positioning system

The Beidou Navigation Satellite System is China’s independent global navigation network, developed to reduce reliance on foreign systems like GPS. Its development occurred in phases, beginning with a regional service (Beidou-1) in 2000 and culminating with a full global constellation (Beidou-3) declared complete in 2020. It provides highly accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services for military, governmental, and civilian users worldwide.

Party flag

The term “Party flag” most commonly refers to the flag of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It is a red flag adorned with a golden hammer and sickle symbol in the upper-left corner, representing the unity of workers and peasants. It was first adopted in 1942 and has served as the official symbol of the Party throughout its leadership of the People’s Republic of China.

national flag

The national flag is a symbolic representation of a country’s identity, history, and values, typically featuring colors and emblems of cultural or historical significance. Its modern form is largely derived from maritime signal flags and was popularized during the age of revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, when nations sought visual symbols for sovereignty and unity. Today, it serves as a powerful patriotic emblem, governed by specific protocols for display and treatment.

military flag

A military flag, or battle standard, is a unique flag used to identify a military unit and serve as a rallying point on the battlefield. Historically, these flags were carried into combat, with their capture or loss representing a severe blow to a unit’s morale and honor. Today, they remain powerful symbols of tradition, heritage, and unit identity within armed forces worldwide.