Xi, Putin and Kim unite in Beijing

News Desk

Beijing: China brought together the leaders of three of the world’s most closely watched powers on Wednesday as President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Beijing for a major military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Xi personally greeted Putin and Kim as they arrived for the event, walking alongside the two leaders on a red carpet towards Tiananmen Square in a highly choreographed display of diplomatic unity.

The unprecedented appearance of Xi, Putin and Kim together is being closely watched for its broader geopolitical significance, with Beijing using the parade to highlight its growing influence and its relationships with countries that increasingly challenge the Western-led international order.

The 70-minute parade features thousands of troops, military aircraft and advanced weapons systems, including equipment that Chinese officials say has been developed domestically and is currently in active service.

Defence analysts studying rehearsal footage and satellite imagery have identified anti-ship missiles, underwater drones and missile-defence systems among the equipment expected to be displayed. Reports have also pointed to the possible appearance of a new laser-based weapon.

The event is the culmination of a week of high-profile diplomacy by Xi, who recently hosted leaders from across Eurasia at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.

During the summit, Xi criticised what he described as “bullying behaviour” by unnamed countries, while Putin defended Russia’s war in Ukraine and blamed Western policies for the conflict.

Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and several other leaders attending the Tianjin gathering were also scheduled to join Xi at the parade. No major Western leader was expected to attend.

Kim’s presence has attracted particular attention as the North Korean leader rarely travels abroad. His appearance in Beijing marks only his second reported foreign trip in six years and his first public appearance alongside both Xi and Putin.

Kim arrived in Beijing aboard an armoured train, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae. Chinese officials gave him a high-profile welcome, underscoring the importance Beijing attaches to his visit.

The North Korean leader’s participation also highlights the strengthening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kim previously met Putin in Russia’s Far East in 2023.

Analysts said the gathering allows Kim to demonstrate North Korea’s close ties with two major powers while giving China an opportunity to showcase its ability to bring influential leaders together.

“China also shows that it has convening power and political influence to bring Putin and Kim Jong Un together,” said Lam Peng Er of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore.

Beijing has imposed extensive security measures ahead of the parade, with roads closed, military personnel deployed across the capital and large numbers of barriers installed along major routes.

Chinese flags and anniversary-themed decorations have also been placed throughout Beijing as authorities prepare for one of the country’s biggest military showcases.

The gathering comes amid growing tensions between China, Russia and North Korea on one side and Western powers on the other, making the carefully staged appearance of Xi, Putin and Kim a closely watched symbol of shifting global alliances.

US President Donald Trump, when asked about the three leaders appearing together, dismissed concerns, saying he was “not concerned at all.”