Chongqing - The grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression during World War II was held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3. Among the immaculate formations, cutting-edge equipment, and stirring military music, elements of Chongqing stood out — from heroic individuals to homegrown innovations.

Scene from the military parade. (Photo/Xinhua)

A Trailblazing Female Pilot from Chongqing

One of the parade’s most talked-about figures was Senior Colonel Tan Hongmei, a Chongqing-born pilot commanding the Y-20A aerial refueling aircraft. As the formation soared over Tiananmen, Tan and her team were on standby to refuel H-6N bombers and J-16 and J-20 fighter jets.

Senior Colonel Tan Hongmei, born in Chongqing. (Photo/CCTV News)

A member of China’s seventh group of female pilots, Tan has flown six different aircraft types and participated in major training missions. Known for her discipline and determination, she embodies the courage and professionalism of China’s female aviators.

Chongqing Faces in the Stands

The reviewing stands also featured prominent Chongqing figures, each representing different walks of life.

Hong Daibin, a 97-year-old veteran and survivor of the Chongqing Bombing, saluted with trembling but resolute hands, moving many to tears. Deng Jianhua, a renowned aerospace telemetry expert and national labor model, said the parade showcased not just military strength but the confidence of national rejuvenation. Nie Feng, a world hairdressing champion and vocational education teacher, pledged to continue cultivating skilled talent.

Veteran Hong Daibin (in white) attending the parade. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Yin Qilong, a decorated taxi driver and volunteer leader, called witnessing the parade “a lifelong honor.” Tang Yuehui, a chief technician at Deepal Automobile, emphasized the progress of Chinese manufacturing. Shen Tiemei, a Sichuan Opera artist and head of the Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theater, spoke of her mission to promote traditional culture as a form of soft power.

Mo Jingjie, son of a double national labor model, said every weapon and formation represented the nation’s rise. Liu Chang, daughter of Chongqing’s first labor model and a retired teacher, expressed pride in telling her late father: “Our military is stronger, our modernization is advancing, and our people are living better lives.”

“Made in Chongqing” on Parade

Beyond its people, Chongqing’s industry also left its mark on the parade.

Two new-generation firearms — the Type 191 automatic rifle and the Type 192 carbine, developed by Chongqing-based Jianshe Industry Group — made their debut. Featuring advanced structures, materials, and design principles, the rifles boast world-class precision, safety, modularity, and durability, enhancing all-weather and all-terrain combat capability.

Type 191 automatic rifle. (Photo provided by the manufacturer)

Meanwhile, Southwest Aluminum, a Chongqing enterprise, once again supplied critical high-strength aluminum alloys used in aircraft, armored vehicles, precision instruments, and unmanned systems. Its advanced materials, known for strength, toughness, and longevity, provided key support for much of the “national arsenal” on display.

From the skies to the parade grounds, from historic veterans to cutting-edge weapons, Chongqing’s presence at the Sept. 3 parade reflected both the city’s contributions to China’s past sacrifices and its role in shaping the nation’s future.