In a bold display of geopolitical unity, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a massive military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025, where China unveiled advanced new weapons. The event, marking the first public appearance of the three leaders together, commemorated 80 years since the end of World War II and served as a show of strength against the US-led world order.
The parade in Tiananmen Square featured over 10,000 troops and showcased a range of new military hardware, including the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missiles, which represent China’s latest nuclear capability. Additionally, laser weapons designed for air defense, giant underwater nuclear drones, and stealth attack drones known as ‘loyal wingmen’ were displayed, highlighting China’s rapid military modernization under Xi’s leadership.
Xi Jinping, in his address to the gathered crowd, emphasized that the Chinese nation is never intimidated by bullies and called for nations to draw lessons from history to work towards peace and a brighter future for humanity. His speech, while not directly naming the US, echoed previous Chinese criticisms of American policies.
The event was attended by leaders from 26 countries, including Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa. However, most Western leaders were absent, with only Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic present, both of whom posed for photos with Putin after the parade.
Following the spectacle, Putin and Kim engaged in a two-and-a-half-hour meeting where they discussed North Korea’s contributions to the Ukraine war, with Putin praising the estimated 15,000 North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces. Putin invited Kim to visit Russia, strengthening their bilateral ties, which have grown significantly since North Korea began supplying ammunition and troops to Russia.
US President Donald Trump responded to the parade with a sarcastic social media post, accusing the three leaders of conspiring against the United States. Kremlin officials dismissed the claim, stating that no conspiracies were arranged and that the meetings were for the benefit of their nations, not against others.
The parade concluded with the release of thousands of doves and balloons into the sky, symbolizing peace, followed by a lunch reception at the Great Hall of the People. This event underscores the deepening alliance between China, Russia, and North Korea, potentially reshaping global geopolitics and challenging Western influence.
