Two military parades held in June and September 2025 highlighted the contrasting approaches of the United States and China in showcasing military power. The U.S. Army celebrated its 250th birthday on June 14 with a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., while China commemorated the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end with a display in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3.
The U.S. parade featured around 6,600 soldiers from various divisions, including 84 military vehicles, 28 M1 Abrams tanks, and over 60 aircraft. This was the first military parade in the U.S. capital since the 1991 National Victory Celebration following the Gulf War. Despite the impressive show of force, the event faced criticism for its estimated $45 million cost amid ongoing government budget cuts. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff referred to it as “a dictator-style military parade,” noting the coinciding celebrations on President Donald Trump‘s birthday.
In stark contrast, China’s parade included approximately 10,000 troops from the People’s Liberation Army, showcasing advanced military hardware including hypersonic missiles, stealth jets, and the newly unveiled LY-1 shipborne laser weapon system. The event was described by Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, as an opportunity for international signaling, demonstrating China’s military advancements to the world.
While the U.S. parade unfolded against a backdrop of national protests, the atmosphere in Beijing was markedly different. The Chinese event featured a display of unity, with 26 leaders from nations not aligned with the U.S., including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This gathering was perceived as a show of solidarity among authoritarian regimes, contrasting with the lack of foreign dignitaries at the U.S. event.
Trump and Xi delivered speeches at their respective parades, with Trump praising the U.S. Army as “the greatest, fiercest and bravest fighting force ever,” while Xi emphasized China’s determination and warned of a choice between peace and conflict. The differences in attendance and focus reflect the broader political narratives each country seeks to project both domestically and internationally.
The U.S. Army’s display included not just military hardware, but also historical reenactments and performances by Army bands, creating a pageantry that was more about national pride than international diplomacy. In contrast, the Chinese parade was a carefully orchestrated event aimed at demonstrating military prowess and reinforcing China’s position on the global stage.
As the two nations present their military strength, the symbolism of each event speaks volumes about their respective political climates and aspirations. The contrasting parades serve as a reminder of the varied approaches to military display, with the U.S. focusing on domestic celebration and China emphasizing international messaging.
