Have you ever wondered what it feels like to witness history unfold in real-time? The kind of moment where the world seems to pause, and every gesture, every glance, carries weight? Next week, Beijing’s Tiananmen Square will host a spectacle that’s more than just a military parade—it’s a bold statement of global alliances and shifting power dynamics. When leaders like China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un stand shoulder to shoulder, the world takes notice. This isn’t just about tanks and jets; it’s about a new chapter in international relations that could reshape the global order.
A Historic Gathering in Beijing
On September 3, 2025, China will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II with a massive Victory Day parade. This event, set against the iconic backdrop of Tiananmen Square, isn’t just a celebration of history—it’s a carefully choreographed display of China’s military might and diplomatic influence. With 26 world leaders in attendance, the parade will showcase advanced weaponry, from hypersonic missiles to anti-drone systems, signaling China’s growing role on the global stage. But let’s be real: the real headline isn’t the hardware—it’s the guest list.
The presence of Putin and Kim alongside Xi is a geopolitical flex that’s hard to ignore. These three leaders, each commanding significant influence in their regions, represent a bloc that’s increasingly at odds with Western powers. Their public appearance together marks a rare moment of unity, one that analysts are already calling a “show of defiance” against the U.S.-led world order. It’s the kind of event that makes you wonder: are we seeing the seeds of a new global alignment?
Why This Meeting Matters
Let’s break it down. The Victory Day parade isn’t just a military showcase; it’s a platform for diplomacy. For Xi Jinping, hosting Putin and Kim is a chance to flex China’s diplomatic muscle at a time when global tensions are running high. With the U.S. pushing to strengthen alliances with South Korea and Japan, this gathering feels like a counter-move—a way to signal that China, Russia, and North Korea are forging their own path.
The alignment of these leaders sends a clear message: they’re ready to challenge the status quo and reshape global power dynamics.
– International relations analyst
Xi’s role as the host gives him a unique position. By bringing together leaders from sanctioned nations like Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, he’s positioning China as a leader of the Global South. This isn’t just about military hardware; it’s about building a coalition that can counter Western influence. Personally, I find it fascinating how Xi is using this moment to project stability and strength while the U.S. grapples with its own diplomatic challenges.
The Players: Xi, Putin, and Kim
Each leader brings something unique to the table. Xi Jinping, as the architect of China’s rise, is leveraging this parade to showcase his country’s military and diplomatic clout. Putin, facing Western sanctions over Ukraine, is looking to solidify ties with non-Western powers. And Kim? Well, his rare trip abroad—his first to China since 2019—suggests he’s eager to balance his growing alliance with Russia while maintaining ties with China, his country’s biggest trading partner.
Kim’s attendance is particularly noteworthy. The North Korean leader doesn’t travel often, and when he does, it’s a big deal. His presence at the parade, alongside 26 other world leaders, gives him a rare chance to step out of isolation and onto the global stage. It’s almost like he’s saying, “Hey, I’m still here, and I’ve got powerful friends.”
- Xi Jinping: Positioning China as a global leader and mediator.
- Vladimir Putin: Seeking to break Russia’s diplomatic isolation.
- Kim Jong Un: Balancing ties with China and Russia while boosting his international stature.
Putin’s participation is equally significant. With Russia under heavy sanctions and its economy teetering, his presence in Beijing is a chance to project strength and defiance. The fact that he’s attending alongside Kim, with whom he signed a defense pact in 2024, adds another layer of intrigue. Could this parade be a prelude to deeper cooperation between these nations?
A Show of Military Might
The parade itself promises to be a spectacle. Tens of thousands of troops, fighter jets, hypersonic missiles, and anti-drone systems will march through Tiananmen Square, showcasing China’s military modernization. This isn’t just about flexing muscle; it’s about sending a message to the world: China is a force to be reckoned with. The inclusion of cutting-edge technology, like hypersonic weapons, underscores Beijing’s ambition to lead in global defense innovation.
But let’s not kid ourselves—parades like this are as much about politics as they are about hardware. The carefully choreographed display will be watched closely by analysts, diplomats, and leaders worldwide. Every tank, every jet, every handshake carries weight. It’s a reminder that in geopolitics, optics matter just as much as actions.
| Element | Significance |
| Troops | Symbol of discipline and national pride |
| Fighter Jets | Showcase of air superiority |
| Hypersonic Missiles | Signal of technological advancement |
Geopolitical Implications
So, what does this all mean? For one, it’s a clear signal that China, Russia, and North Korea are aligning more closely, even if they haven’t formed a formal triad alliance. The absence of major Western leaders—except for Slovakia’s Robert Fico—highlights the growing divide between the West and this emerging bloc. It’s almost like the world is splitting into two camps, and this parade is a line in the sand.
Then there’s the timing. With U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at a possible Asia visit later this year, Xi’s meeting with Putin and Kim gives him a strategic edge. He’ll walk into any potential summit with Trump armed with insights from two of America’s biggest adversaries. It’s a power move, plain and simple.
This parade is less about celebrating history and more about shaping the future.
– Geopolitical strategist
I can’t help but wonder: could this be the start of a new geopolitical axis? The leaders attending—representing nations like Iran, Belarus, and Myanmar—share a common thread: resistance to Western influence. Together, they form what some analysts call the “Axis of Upheaval,” a coalition of nations challenging the U.S.-led order. It’s a bold move, and one that’s sure to keep diplomats up at night.
Kim’s Balancing Act
Let’s zoom in on Kim Jong Un for a moment. The North Korean leader is playing a delicate game. His country relies heavily on China for trade and aid, but his recent coziness with Russia—supplying troops and weapons for the Ukraine conflict—has raised eyebrows. By attending the Beijing parade, Kim is signaling that he’s not putting all his eggs in Moscow’s basket. It’s a classic move to keep both powers in check.
Kim’s rare international appearances always carry weight. Since taking power in 2011, he’s only made a handful of foreign trips, and this will be his first multilateral event with world leaders. For a guy who’s often portrayed as a recluse, standing alongside Xi and Putin is a chance to project legitimacy and strength. Maybe he’s tired of being the odd man out?
- Maintain ties with China: North Korea’s economic lifeline depends on Beijing.
- Strengthen Russia alliance: Military and economic support from Moscow is crucial.
- Boost global stature: Appearing with world leaders elevates Kim’s image.
The Western Response
The absence of major Western leaders at the parade speaks volumes. Most are staying away due to tensions with Russia over Ukraine, and China’s neutral stance on the conflict hasn’t helped. The U.S., in particular, has accused Beijing of indirectly supporting Moscow, a charge China denies. Meanwhile, Kim’s open support for Russia—supplying troops and weapons—has only deepened the West’s unease.
Slovakia’s Robert Fico is the lone EU leader attending, a move that’s raised eyebrows in Brussels. His presence, along with representatives from Serbia and Belarus, suggests a small but notable European contingent that’s willing to engage with this bloc. It’s a reminder that even within Europe, there’s no monolithic stance on global alliances.
What’s Next?
As the parade approaches, the world will be watching. Will Xi, Putin, and Kim use this moment to announce new partnerships? Could this be a stepping stone to a formal alliance? Or is it just a flashy photo-op designed to rattle the West? My gut tells me it’s a bit of all three. The optics of this event are undeniable, but the real impact will come from the conversations happening behind closed doors.
One thing’s for sure: this parade is more than a celebration of history. It’s a bold declaration of intent, a signal that China, Russia, and North Korea are ready to challenge the global status quo. Whether that challenge succeeds remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on Beijing.
Final Thoughts
In a world where alliances are shifting faster than ever, events like the Victory Day parade carry outsized significance. They’re not just about military might or diplomatic posturing—they’re about shaping the narrative of who holds power and who doesn’t. For Xi, Putin, and Kim, this is a chance to show the world they’re a force to be reckoned with. For the rest of us, it’s a moment to reflect on what these alliances mean for the future.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how this event fits into the broader geopolitical chess game. With Trump eyeing a potential Asia visit, Xi’s meeting with Putin and Kim could give him a strategic edge. But it also raises questions: How will the West respond? Can these leaders sustain their unity? And what does this mean for smaller nations caught in the crossfire? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear—this parade is just the beginning.
