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Beijing drew global attention on 3 September 2025 as President Xi Jinping led a massive military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event not only displayed China’s military might but also delivered a powerful geopolitical signal through the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the main podium.

The parade sent a clear message that China, Russia, and North Korea are tightening their ties amid rising tensions with the United States and its allies.

The Tiananmen Square parade featured thousands of troops, armored vehicles, hypersonic missiles, and aerial formations. China also highlighted its nuclear triad capabilities, displaying land, sea, and air-based strike systems. International media noted the appearance of advanced weaponry that reflected lessons learned from modern conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, particularly in the fields of drone warfare and electronic operations.

Xi Jinping stood atop the podium, inspecting the troops with confidence. Artillery salvos and marching commands created an atmosphere of power projection. In his keynote speech, Xi declared that the world faces a choice between peace and war. He reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development but emphasized its readiness to defend itself against any threat.

The presence of Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un beside Xi carried unmistakable symbolism. The Guardian described the moment as a powerful political statement, while Politico noted that Beijing was using the parade to present itself as the hub of an alternative global power structure.

For Russia, standing shoulder to shoulder with China and North Korea underlined Moscow’s resilience against Western isolation and sanctions. For Pyongyang, Kim’s attendance underscored its relevance within a bloc of strategic partners.

In addition to Putin and Kim, the parade hosted delegations from 26 countries, including representatives from Central Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Cuba. Western nations were largely absent at the head-of-state level, though Serbia and Slovakia sent high-ranking representatives.

The absence of Western leaders highlighted global polarization. Beijing used the moment to show that it still commands visible support from non-Western partners.

Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing a day before the parade and was welcomed by senior Communist Party officials. He appeared alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, reigniting speculation about succession in North Korea. His presence on the main podium alongside Xi and Putin cemented Pyongyang’s role in the axis challenging the international order.

Ahead of the parade, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting at Zhongnanhai, the presidential residence in Beijing. While no details were released, international media suggested that the talks covered energy cooperation, finance, and defense.

Kim’s attendance also raised speculation about ongoing arms transfers between Russia and North Korea, though no official announcements were made during the event.

US President Donald Trump quickly criticized the parade, calling it proof of an “authoritarian coalition” aimed at undermining American interests. European leaders voiced concern but avoided sharp rhetoric.

Coverage by Al Jazeera and Reuters described the parade as Beijing’s display of power amid worsening ties with the West. Analysts emphasized that the geopolitical message was just as strong as the military hardware on display.

The Beijing parade was more than a historical commemoration. It underscored several critical points:

1. The China-Russia-North Korea Axis Consolidates
   The joint appearance highlighted a deepening political alliance, directly challenging Western dominance.

2. Risks to Regional Stability
   With references to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific, the parade served as a signal that China is prepared to use military strength to defend its claims.

3. Military Adaptation and Technological Advances
   Hypersonic missiles, drone systems, and integrated cyber-electronic warfare highlighted China’s adaptation to lessons from modern warfare.

The Beijing parade on 3 September 2025 went far beyond ceremonial tradition. The joint appearance of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un sent an unmistakable geopolitical message: China is not alone, and a non-Western axis is ready to display itself before the world.

By showcasing military power and political solidarity, Beijing sought to position itself as the center of an alternative global order. This moment marks a significant milestone in the international geopolitical landscape and is likely to trigger further responses from Washington and its allies.

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Beijing ParadeChinaGeopoliticsGlobal PoliticsInternational RelationsKim Jong UnMiddle EastMilitary PowerNorth KoreaRussiaTaiwanUnited StatesVladimir PutinXi Jinping