Washington Post:
China unveiled a host of new military equipment at the country’s military parade Thursday in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks portrayed China as an arbiter of peace. “Prejudice and discrimination, hatred and war can only cause disaster and pain,” said Xi. “China will always uphold the path of peaceful development.” Xi also announced that he would cut 300,000 troops from the roughly 2.3 million-strong military at his disposal.
However, the presence of some of the country’s most advanced military equipment was not lost on international observers.
More than 12,000 soldiers marched in the parade, according to Reuters, with soldiers from Russia and other countries also participating. Tanks, jets, and armored vehicles also made their way through Tienanmen Square, but two of the most notable pieces of military hardware on display were both Dong-Feng “East-Wind” class ballistic missiles.
While these missiles undoubtedly pose a threat to U.S. interests in the Pacific, the United States has known about them for some time, giving the Pentagon an opportunity to develop ways of countering the weapons. Here’s a closer look at what was on display in Beijing…
