Leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia will stand together at the Beijing Military Parade in a show of defiance
The leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea are set to come together at a military parade in Beijing, demonstrating their defiance in the face of Western pressure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are scheduled to participate in a significant military parade in Beijing next week, signifying their inaugural public appearance together with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The event, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, is anticipated to convey a powerful message of unity among the three leaders in light of increased Western pressure.
China’s foreign ministry has announced that 26 foreign heads of state and government will attend the “Victory Day” parade on September 3. Leaders from Western powers will be notably absent, with the exception of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is the only European Union leader confirmed to attend.
The meeting highlights Beijing’s increasing military assertiveness and its partnership with Russia and North Korea—two nations experiencing global isolation and extensive sanctions. Since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been facing Western sanctions, leading its economy to drift towards recession. For Putin, who is still sought by the International Criminal Court, this will be his first visit to China since 2024.
North Korea, a treaty ally of China for many years, has faced United Nations sanctions since 2006 due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Kim visited Beijing for the last time in 2019.
Among the other world leaders anticipated to attend the event are Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezashkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik. Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua, a seasoned Chinese diplomat, will also represent the United Nations.
The meticulously planned parade at Tiananmen Square will showcase tens of thousands of troops alongside advanced weaponry, such as hypersonic missiles, missile defense systems, and cutting-edge fighter jets. President Xi will observe the formations with the visiting dignitaries, highlighting China’s resolve to establish itself as a military power central to global geopolitics.
Experts indicate that the event aims to convey unity not only among China, Russia, and North Korea, but also between Beijing and its allies in the Global South, amidst escalating geopolitical tensions with the West.
