In a historic display of unity, the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea appeared together for the first time at a massive military parade in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and signaling a defiant stance against Western powers. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the world’s choice between peace and war during the event, which showcased advanced military hardware and reinforced alliances among sanctioned nations.
The parade, held on Wednesday in Tiananmen Square, was a meticulously orchestrated spectacle featuring thousands of troops, new weapons like hypersonic missiles and underwater drones, and an audience of over 50,000 vetted spectators. Xi, alongside Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, walked together on the red carpet, creating an iconic image of solidarity that analysts say challenges the US-led international order. This gathering included leaders from Iran, Pakistan, and other nations, but most Western dignitaries were absent, highlighting the geopolitical divide.
Xi’s speech during the parade underscored China’s resilience, with indirect references to the United States as a ‘bully’ due to recent trade policies. He called for global cooperation to avoid a return to the ‘law of the jungle’ and toasted to ‘common prosperity for all humankind.’ The event served as a capstone to a week of diplomatic efforts by China to elevate alliances with the global south, amid strained relations with Western countries.
The appearance of Xi, Putin, and Kim together is unprecedented and signifies deepening ties between Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang, all of which face international sanctions. Their collaboration is seen as a response to perceived Western aggression, with North Korea providing military support to Russia in Ukraine, including an estimated 15,000 troops, in exchange for aid and technology. This partnership was further cemented in a bilateral meeting between Putin and Kim after the parade.
Reactions from the West were swift, with US President Donald Trump accusing the leaders of conspiring against the United States on social media, though the Kremlin dismissed these claims as ironic and unfounded. European officials expressed concern, viewing the meeting as a direct challenge to the rules-based international system. The parade’s timing, amid ongoing conflicts and trade tensions, amplifies its symbolic weight.
Military analysts noted the display of new capabilities, such as stealth drones and nuclear-capable missiles, aimed at deterring adversaries and projecting China’s growing power. The hardware reflects years of modernization under Xi, though it comes amid internal challenges like corruption purges. The event was not just a commemoration but a strategic message of strength to the US and its allies.
In the broader context, the parade and the leaders’ unity suggest a shift in global dynamics, with China positioning itself as a central figure in an alternative bloc. This could have long-term implications for international security, diplomacy, and economic relations, potentially leading to increased polarization and competition between East and West.
Overall, the event underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape, where alliances are being reforged, and old rivalries are intensifying, setting the stage for future confrontations or negotiations.