Putin, Kim Jong Un to Attend Chinese Parade in Show of Defiance to the West
In a symbolic display of unity against increasing Western pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are set to attend a major military parade in Beijing today, standing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. The event marks the first joint public appearance of the three authoritarian leaders and signals a tightening alliance among their countries amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia, is being held in Tiananmen Square. China has historically used such anniversaries to project military strength and political solidarity. This year’s event carries even more weight as all three nations face diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions from Western powers.
A Strategic Alliance
The presence of Putin and Kim in Beijing underscores a shifting global power structure. Russia remains entangled in its prolonged war with Ukraine, North Korea continues to escalate its weapons testing program, and China is increasingly at odds with the United States over Taiwan, trade, and military expansion in the South China Sea.
The trilateral appearance appears aimed at challenging U.S. and NATO influence in the Indo-Pacific and Eurasia. Analysts suggest the show of unity may also be a signal to smaller states that the Western-led world order is being contested more openly.
Historical Backdrop
This is not the first time China has used a major anniversary to make a political statement. In 2015, a similar parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII featured foreign dignitaries, though not as strategically controversial as this year’s lineup.
For Putin, the visit marks a rare international appearance following years of increasing sanctions and diplomatic exclusion since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. For Kim Jong Un, the trip is his second major foreign visit in 2025, after a summit with Putin earlier this year, reflecting his broader strategy of diversifying alliances beyond China alone.
Global Reaction
Western officials have expressed concern over the parade and the symbolism behind it. A joint statement from NATO members earlier this week criticized what it called “escalating cooperation among regimes that oppose democratic norms and international rule of law.”
The parade is expected to showcase China’s latest military technology, including hypersonic missiles, AI-controlled drones, and advanced cyber warfare units. Observers believe it also offers an opportunity for private trilateral talks on military and economic cooperation outside of Western surveillance.
As the world watches, today’s event marks a significant moment in the emerging divide between East and West a public alignment that could have long term implications for global diplomacy and security.
