EconoScope | China's V-Day parade showcases unmanned, AI-powered military gear

(ECNS) -- China unveiled a lineup of new equipment at Wednesday's military parade, with unmanned weaponry such as unmanned underwater vehicles, drones, and other systems in the spotlight.

The advanced systems underscored China's resolve and capability to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, while also portraying the country as a defender of world peace.

The sea-based unmanned warfare formation attends a parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. China held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on Wednesday. (Photo/Xinhua)

During the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, domestically produced arms and strategic weapons rolled past Tiananmen Square in contrast to what officials described as the PLA's early years, when soldiers fought with little more than "millet plus rifles."

Chinese officials and state media framed the new equipment as evidence of a leap in combat capability and of the country's capacity for technological innovation.

The parade also came as Beijing promotes its broader ambitions in artificial intelligence and robotics. According to People's Daily, China's industrial robot market recorded sales of 302,000 units in 2024, marking the 12th consecutive year as the world's largest.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said China's low-altitude equipment, including drones, has exceeded 4 million units as of August 2025, with unmanned, electric, and intelligent systems developing rapidly.

China has also registered 439 large AI models, covering over 30 industries including healthcare, agriculture, education, smart manufacturing, and fintech, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

In August, authorities announced an"AI Plus" initiative to promote smart connected vehicles, service robots, and AI wearables, while advancing AI integration with the metaverse, low-altitude flight, manufacturing, and brain-computer interfaces.

Analysts say the push reflects Beijing's drive to pair military modernization with economic and technological development, even as regional tensions remain high over China's military activity in the South China Sea and beyond.