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| Australia's Mitchell Starc catches a ball during a match against England in Bristol on September 29, 2024. — Reuters |
Kim Jong Un Enters China for Beijing Military Parade with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin
Kim Jong Un Enters China for Rare Military Parade with Xi and Putin in Show of Unity.
Kim Jong Un arrives in Beijing via armored train to join Xi Jinping and Putin at China's largest military parade. The rare public appearance signals a deepening trio-alignment amid rising global tensions. Australia's Mitchell Starc celebrates after taking the wicket of India's Virat Kohli. — Reuters/FileAustralia's white-ball pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has retired from Twenty20 internationals to focus on extending his career in test and one-day cricket.The 35-year-old left-armer retires...
In a rare diplomatic move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed into China aboard his armored train to attend a grand military parade in Beijing on September 2–3. His journey marked his first venture beyond his isolated nation since 2019, and perhaps more importantly, his first appearance at a major multilateral event in over 14 years.
At the heart of Tiananmen Square, Kim joined Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, standing shoulder to shoulder in a public display of solidarity. This marked the inaugural public convergence of these three powerful leaders. Their presence—amid the glittering military display—sent a clear signal to the world about the emerging geopolitical alignment reshaping global power dynamics.
The parade, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan’s WWII surrender, was China’s largest ever and showcased its evolving military capabilities—from hypersonic missiles to unmanned combat drones and a full nuclear triad. Xi delivered a potent message, declaring the world stands at a crossroads: “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation,” and reaffirming China's unwavering advance.
A Diplomatic Renaissance for Kim Jong Un
Kim’s arrival was much more than ceremonial; it reflects a tacit normalization of his global standing. Once among the most isolated leaders, Kim now shares the stage with major world figures. That visit included high-security protocol, indicative of China’s resetting of ties with Pyongyang. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and reportedly his daughter Kim Ju Ae—viewed as a possible successor—Kim embodied both legacy and continuity.
Amid swirling speculation, South Korea’s intelligence briefed that Kim could stand with Xi and Putin at the parade’s rostrum and engage in bilateral discussions with both leaders—further reasserting North Korea’s growing diplomatic relevance.
A Triad of Power, Poised Together
Xi, flanked by Putin and Kim, cast the military spectacle as a carefully choreographed moment of global solidarity. The three leaders—each challenged in different ways by Western influence—were joined by dozens of other state dignitaries, and together on display was a shared message: unity and defiance. Analysts see the event as a milestone in the forging of what has been dubbed an “axis of upheaval.”
Their proximity and mutual attendance not only underscored diplomatic synergy, but also hinted at deeper strategic cooperation. Putin publicly thanked Kim for North Korea’s military support in Ukraine, while Kim characterized helping Russia as an “obligation… a fraternal duty.”
Global Ripple Effects
For the West—particularly the U.S.—this parade was more than ceremonial. The absence of Western leaders contrasted the strong show of unity among these three authoritarian figures. Xi’s call for a "new world order," coupled with the unveiling of advanced weaponry, stirred apprehension: A new Cold War alignment may be taking shape.
U.S. political figures did not hold back; former President Trump sarcastically accused the trio of plotting against America. Putin’s aide quickly denied any conspiracies, framing the event as symbolic rather than combative. Nonetheless, the optics of the public alignment are difficult to downplay.
What This Signals Going Forward
Kim’s presence at this display in Beijing isn't just about ceremony—it’s a strategic pivot. For North Korea, it opens avenues for economic and military cooperation, especially as tensions in Ukraine continue and reliance on allies grows.
For China, allowing such a platform underlines its desire to challenge Western narratives and present an alternate global order. For Putin, it reinforced Moscow’s alliances amid its international isolation due to the Ukraine conflict.