- BEIJING, CHINA — SEPT. 3, 2025: China on Wednesday for the first time showcased its land, sea, and air-based nuclear forces during the massive military parade marking China's victory against Japanese aggression, the end of World War II.

The parade featured the country’s full nuclear triad, including JingLei-1 air-based long-range missile, JuLang-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, DongFeng-61 land-based intercontinental missile, and a new type of DongFeng-31 land-based intercontinental missile, according to Xinhua News.

State media referred to the weapons as China’s strategic “ace” power, underscoring their role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security, and dignity.

The nuclear triad’s unveiling marks a significant step in demonstrating China’s ability to launch retaliatory strikes from land, sea, and air, a deterrence capability.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China’s nuclear arsenal has grown faster than that of any other country, reaching an estimated 600 warheads by early 2025.

According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2025, the country's nuclear stockpile has been expanding by approximately 100 warheads per year since 2023.