Beijing, September 3 — In a striking show of solidarity, Chinese President Xi Jinping walked down the red carpet of Tiananmen Square flanked by two of the world’s most controversial leaders—Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
The occasion? A grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. But this was far more than just a commemoration. It was a clear message: China, along with its strategic allies, is positioning itself as a formidable counterbalance to Western power.
For many watching around the world, the visual of Xi, Putin, and Kim together—chatting, shaking hands, and smiling—was surreal. For the Chinese audience, it was a powerful image of strength, unity, and a growing sense of global assertiveness.
A Parade That Spoke Volumes
The 90-minute military spectacle was choreographed to perfection. Xi, from the back of an open-top limousine, inspected rows upon rows of Chinese troops along the massive Chang’an Avenue. Behind him rolled an intimidating lineup of military hardware, including China’s new DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile with a staggering 20,000 km range.
Among the latest innovations were supersonic missiles, underwater drones, and fighter jets soaring overhead in tight formation—some forming a giant “80” in the sky.
Crowds of Beijing residents lined the streets for a glimpse of the flypast. While much of the city was under strict security, the public sentiment was buzzing with national pride.
A Week of Diplomatic Power Moves
The parade capped off a high-stakes diplomatic week for Xi. He hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, bringing together leaders from across Eurasia in an effort to deepen ties and reduce dependence on Western frameworks.
Throughout the week, Xi and his guests, including Putin and Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko, voiced criticism of what they called “Western bullying.” Putin once again defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine, blaming Western policies for escalating the crisis.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un made a rare international appearance, joined by his daughter Kim Ju Ae and sister Kim Yo Jong. His presence signaled more than just political camaraderie—it was a calculated move to show that Pyongyang still has powerful friends who treat it with respect.
A New Axis of Influence?
The trio of Xi, Putin, and Kim standing together may mark a new era in global geopolitics—one where the East pushes back more forcefully against the West. Experts say China is demonstrating not only military capability, but also diplomatic muscle.
“Kim’s presence alongside Putin and Xi shows that China holds serious influence. It can bring two isolated, sanctioned leaders into its fold, and in doing so, it reshapes the global narrative,” said Lam Peng Er, a senior researcher from the National University of Singapore.
Behind the scenes, Putin and Kim reportedly discussed North Korean military support for Russia in Ukraine—a move that will likely draw sharp criticism from the West.
Still, to many in China and its allies, the day was not about provocation—it was about pride, history, and positioning for the future.
