Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un are set to make a joint appearance at a military parade in Beijing, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. This display of unity comes at a time of increasing pressure from Western nations.
The upcoming parade on September 3rd will feature 26 foreign heads of state and government, with the notable absence of any Western leaders apart from Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico. This gathering will not only showcase China’s military strength but also serve as a symbol of solidarity with Russia and North Korea, both facing sanctions from the West.
Russia, a key ally of China, has been grappling with economic challenges due to sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. President Putin, who is facing international scrutiny, last visited China in 2024. Meanwhile, North Korea, under UN sanctions for its nuclear weapons program, maintains a close relationship with China. Leader Kim Jong Un’s last visit to China was in 2019.
Among the dignitaries attending the parade will be Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iran’s President Masoud Pezashkian, and South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik. The United Nations will be represented by Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua.
During the parade, President Xi Jinping will review troops at Tiananmen Square, showcasing advanced military equipment such as fighter jets and hypersonic weapons. This highly orchestrated event is expected to be one of China’s most significant military displays in recent years.
The presence of Putin, Kim, and Xi Jinping together at the parade underscores the growing ties between these nations and their defiance against Western pressure. It will be a visual representation of solidarity and strength in the face of global challenges.
