In a bold display of geopolitical unity, the leaders of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran convened in Beijing for a military parade on September 3, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. This assembly of often-sanctioned figures underscored a collective challenge to Western dominance and showcased China’s military advancements.
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin as an ‘old friend’ during meetings on September 2, with both leaders praising their ‘unprecedented’ ties amid ongoing tensions with the United States. Putin’s attendance, despite international isolation over the Ukraine war, highlighted the deepening Russia-China alliance, which has strengthened since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s presence was particularly significant, marking his first major multilateral appearance and the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade since 1959, signaling Pyongyang’s integration into this authoritarian bloc.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also joined the gathering, adding to the roster of leaders from nations facing Western sanctions. The military parade itself is one of China’s largest, involving over 40,000 personnel and featuring advanced weaponry such as hypersonic missiles and unmanned systems, intended to project China’s growing military prowess and technological innovation. The event attracted over 20 world leaders, predominantly from Asia, Africa, and other regions where China is expanding its influence, with notable absences from Western nations.
This convergence occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has pursued aggressive trade policies and challenged existing international alliances. The gathering is seen as a direct response to U.S. hegemony and an attempt to forge an alternative global order, often described by experts as part of a ‘memory war’ where China and Russia emphasize their roles in historical events like World War II to counter Western narratives.
The broader implications include the potential formation of a new strategic axis involving China, Russia, and North Korea, which could alter regional security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific. For Kim Jong Un, this event represents a diplomatic milestone that may enhance his regime’s legitimacy and open doors for further cooperation. The relationships strengthened here could lead to increased economic and military collaboration among these nations, challenging the predominance of Western institutions.
The absence of most Western leaders underscores the deepening divide between democratic and authoritarian blocs, while the presence of figures from countries like Myanmar, Pakistan, and Central Asian states reflects Beijing’s success in regional diplomacy. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, held just prior, reinforced this vision of a multipolar world order, with calls for fairer global governance.
Looking ahead, the alliances showcased in Beijing may influence future geopolitical conflicts, trade agreements, and global governance structures, potentially reshaping international relations in the coming years.