China held a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. This was the 17th military parade at Tian'anmen Square since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Over the decades, China has transformed from a poor, war-torn nation into a moderately prosperous society. Take a look at this transformation through then-and-now parade photos. 

Top: Soldiers march with mules pulling artillery in the parade marking the founding of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, October 1, 1949. (Photo: Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution)
Above: Trucks carrying nuclear missiles are driven in the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Beijing, September 3, 2025. (Photo: Gong Han/People's Daily)

Top: Naval troops march in square formation in the parade marking the founding of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, October 1, 1949. (Photo: Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution)
Above: Naval troops march in square formation in the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Beijing, September 3, 2025. (Photo: Lei Sheng/People's Daily) 

Top: Infantry troops march in square formation in the parade marking the founding of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, October 1, 1949. (Photo: Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution)
Above: Army troops march in square formation in the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Beijing, September 3, 2025. (Photo: Lei Sheng/People's Daily)

Top: Armored vehicles are driven in the parade marking the founding of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, October 1, 1949. (Photo: Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution)
Above: Amphibious assault troops march in square formation in the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Beijing, September 3, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

Top: Aircraft fly in formation during the parade marking the founding of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, October 1, 1949. (Photo: Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution)
Above: An echelon of aerial refueling and receiving aircraft participates in the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Beijing, September 3, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)