China is preparing to showcase the world's most powerful laser weapon: what is known about it.

According to The Sun: China plans to showcase 'the most powerful air defense laser system in the world' at its large military parade.

The unknown weapon was carefully covered with green tarps as it passed through Beijing ahead of Kim Jong Un's visit.

Handout Pléiades Neo © Airbus DS 2025 Alamy

Force demonstration parade

Xi Jinping will lead the People's Liberation Army parade through Tiananmen Square with the participation of two dozen allied leaders.

This parade, which marks the end of World War II, will also serve as a warning to the West about China's readiness for war in close coordination with Russia and North Korea.

The world will closely watch the triumvirate of Xi, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, who will meet for the first time.

The parade will feature ground troops, armored vehicles, and air columns.

Chinese military officials claim that a significant portion of the weapons and equipment will be presented to the world for the first time.

Among the novelties is 'the most powerful air defense laser system in the world,' according to the propaganda of the Chinese army.

Laser defense systems in war

In recent years, laser systems have become an important element of defense strategies.

High-energy laser beams can destroy drones for about £10 per shot, significantly reducing the costs of launching expensive missiles to hit targets.

Israel is leading in this field with the Lite-Beam and Iron-Beam systems, which destroyed Hamas drones last year.

In the UK, the Royal Navy is working on the Dragonfire system for combat use.

The West’s view on the Chinese parade

The UK Ministry of Defense plans to equip four destroyers with new systems worth £120 million by 2027.

Western leaders will closely monitor the parade against a backdrop of growing concerns that Chinese allies are preparing for conflict.

Among other things, the parade will also showcase powerful ballistic and cruise missiles such as the DF-26 and YJ-12, as well as a nuclear arsenal.

Photos from rehearsals indicated a large number of YJ-class missiles capable of destroying US or European military ships.

This could be an important factor if Xi dares to attack Taiwan, as such missiles open the way to the self-governing island.

New tanks and torpedo underwater drones are expected on the streets of Beijing.

The socio-political situation in China compels the country to showcase its military capabilities to global rivalries, emphasizes Dr. Alessandro Ardiccio.

AP Getty

“This is a clear signal to the US and Europe that they are no longer unattainable,” said Dr. Ardiccio.

Analysts in the US are closely monitoring the development of Chinese weapons to assess their combat readiness.

Rob Peters, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, emphasized: “When China showcases new technologies, caution is warranted in assessing whether they are genuine.”

Chinese armed forces have not been involved in combat since 1979, when they suffered heavy losses during the invasion of Northern Vietnam.

However, Xi's inventions are already present on battlefields around the world. Both Ukraine and Russia have used Chinese drones in their battles.

Earlier this year, Pakistan used a Chinese J-10 fighter and PL-15 missiles to destroy an Indian Air Force aircraft.

China aims to impress on the world stage

SINCE HE TOOK OFFICE in Beijing 12 years ago, Xi has had a clear goal of transforming China into a global superpower.

The country has gained significant economic power, and Xi is developing one of the largest armies in the world capable of standing up to any enemy.

China is also a key player in the tech world, especially in artificial intelligence and military development.

Beijing possesses nuclear capabilities and is actively expanding its nuclear arsenal, building new silos and modernizing delivery systems.

Dr. Ardiccio emphasized: “China sees itself as a formidable adversary on par with the United States.”

“They lack the scale of the American nuclear arsenal, but with Russia by their side, they balance this.”

“The parade may showcase their nuclear ballistic missiles, saying: ‘If you shoot nuclear weapons at us, we are capable of responding.’”

“This is a clear message to the US that they are no longer unattainable.”

It is believed that the Chinese leader aims to impress the world, watching Russia and the US military festivals this year.

“It is interesting to compare with the recent US and Russian military parades, where Xi Jinping himself was present.”

“The Russian military parade turned out to be a failed display of power, as there were no modern samples that had proven their effectiveness.”

“It is also worth noting the friction that exists within the US against the unified line in China.”

Handout Alamy MOD/DSTL