Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in Beijing, marking their first public appearance alongside President Xi Jinping. This collective display of defiance comes amid intensifying Western pressure. No Western leaders will join the 26 foreign heads of state and government next week, China’s foreign ministry confirmed Thursday. However, Robert Fico, the prime minister of Slovakia and an EU member state, will be present.
A United Front Against Western Scrutiny
Against the backdrop of China’s growing military might, the “Victory Day” parade on 3 September offers a significant platform. The three leaders will project a major show of solidarity. This unity extends beyond China and the Global South, firmly embracing sanctions-hit Russia and North Korea. Beijing considers Russia a strategic partner. Western sanctions, imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, have battered its economy, pushing it towards recession. Putin, whom the International Criminal Court seeks, last visited China in 2024.
North Korea, a formal treaty ally of China, has faced United Nations Security Council sanctions since 2006. These penalties stem from its continued development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Kim Jong Un last traveled to China in January 2019.
Global Leaders Observe Historical Commemoration
Several other prominent figures will attend the parade, which commemorates Japan’s formal surrender during World War II. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei announced attendees at a recent news conference. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Iran’s President Masoud Pezashkian will participate. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik are also expected. Furthermore, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic will attend the grand event.
The United Nations will send Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua who previously held various capacities within the Chinese foreign ministry, including ambassadorships to Italy, San Marino, and Myanmar.
On parade day, President Xi Jinping will review tens of thousands of troops with foreign dignitaries and senior Chinese leaders will accompany him at Tiananmen Square. This highly choreographed parade, one of China’s largest in years, will showcase cutting-edge military equipment. Spectators will see advanced fighter jets, missile defense systems, and powerful hypersonic weapons.
