China is preparing to showcase what it calls the world’s most powerful laser air defence system during a massive military parade in Beijing this week, reports the Independent.
The weapon, seen in rehearsals covered by a green tarpaulin on a truck, will be revealed as part of the People’s Liberation Army’s display marking 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II.
President Xi Jinping will attend the parade alongside foreign leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un. The event will feature drones, missiles and other advanced weapons aimed at showing China’s growing military power.
Analysts in the US and Europe will study the display closely to see if China’s new systems, including anti-ship missiles and drones, are as effective as Beijing claims. Experts warn that while China is making fast progress, many of its new technologies have not yet been tested in real combat.
Laser weapons are drawing global attention because they can shoot down drones at a much lower cost than traditional missiles. However, they still face technical challenges, including high power needs and difficulties working in bad weather.
The parade highlights China’s push to rival the US in military technology, especially as tensions continue over Taiwan.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reiterated Uzbekistan’s firm position in support of the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state.
