China’s grand military parade marking 80 years since victory over Japan featured 40,000 troops and cost $5 billion. In front of 50,000 spectators and 26 world leaders, President Xi Jinping declared: “China cannot be stopped.” But does this display reflect true military power?
The Russian example offers caution. Once ranked the world’s second strongest army, Russia has struggled in Ukraine, exposing major flaws. China, despite being the world’s largest army, was ranked behind Russia. This raises doubts about its real effectiveness in wartime.
Military analyst Prof. Yuri Fyodorov stresses that China has little combat experience, last fighting in 1979 against Vietnam—and losing. Its nuclear arsenal counts around 600 warheads, far fewer than America’s 1,670 or Russia’s 1,674.
On land, China poses a credible threat, especially to India and Russia, where it stations significant forces. But its navy lags behind. While China fields three modest aircraft carriers, the U.S. has 11, with more under construction. America also operates over 70 submarines—most multi-purpose—while China’s 60 lack advanced nuclear capabilities. This leaves Beijing vulnerable given its reliance on maritime trade routes, particularly through the Malacca Strait.