Inside China’s biggest military parade ever: A glimpse of future war

China’s largest-ever military parade showcased a sweeping array of advanced weaponry, highlighting the country’s rapid modernization and push toward a networked, high-tech military. Key new systems unveiled include the QBZ-191 assault rifle, which replaces the older QBZ-95 and offers improved range, precision, and adaptability with advanced optics. On the ground, China introduced three new armored vehicles: the Type 99B main battle tank, the new Type 100 tank—potentially its first fourth-generation tank featuring active protection systems and battlefield data integration—and the Type 100 infantry fighting vehicle equipped with reconnaissance drones and augmented reality goggles for enhanced situational awareness. Additionally, China displayed the PHL-16 (PCL-191) multiple rocket launcher system, comparable to the U.S. HIMARS, capable of firing various guided rockets and tactical ballistic missiles with ranges exceeding 350 kilometers. The parade also marked the first public concentrated display of China’s nuclear triad, encompassing land-, sea-, and air-based