Chinese President Xi Jinping showcased military strength during a grand parade in Beijing on Wednesday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin joined him, signaling a united front against the West, capping a week of diplomatic maneuvers by Xi and his allies.
As Xi walked down the red carpet at Tiananmen Square, he shook hands with both leaders. The parade commemorated 80 years since World War II’s end, allowing Xi to flaunt China’s military capabilities. He warned that the world still faced a “choice of peace or war,” asserting that China is “unstoppable.”
The parade prominently featured China’s new intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-5C, boasting a range of 20,000 kilometers. This display of military hardware drew sharp criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused the trio of conspiring against the United States.
Military Hardware on Display
During the 90-minute event, Xi inspected troops and weaponry from an open-topped limousine along Chang’an Avenue. The parade showcased a vast array of military vehicles, including new underwater drones and supersonic missiles. State media broadcast images of thousands of servicemen and women marching in formation.
Beijing residents flocked to the streets to witness a spectacular flyover of warplanes and helicopters, some forming the number “80” in the sky. This parade served as a reminder of the millions of Chinese lives lost during the war with Japan in the 1930s and 40s.
The interaction between Xi, Putin, and Kim drew significant attention, although state media provided limited footage of the trio together. Foreign journalists faced restrictions, preventing them from capturing images of the leaders. This event marked a significant moment, as it was Kim’s second reported trip abroad in six years and his first appearance alongside Xi and Putin.
The parade concluded a whirlwind week for Xi, who hosted leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This group aims to present a non-Western alternative to traditional alliances. During the summit, Xi criticized “bullying behavior” from certain nations, implicitly targeting the United States.
Heightened Security Measures
Security in Beijing tightened significantly, with road closures and military personnel stationed throughout the city. White barriers lined the capital’s boulevards, emphasizing the importance of the event. Notably, no major Western dignitaries attended the parade, highlighting the growing divide between China and the West.
Kim’s attendance underscored his strengthened ties with China and Russia. He was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and sister, Kim Yo Jong, who were seen at various events during the visit. Following the parade, Putin thanked Kim for North Korean support in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
Experts suggest that Kim’s visit demonstrates his standing among powerful allies. Lam Peng Er from the East Asian Institute noted that this gathering showcases China’s political influence and ability to unite leaders like Putin and Kim.
