Xi, Putin, and Kim Unite in Historic Show of Force

BEIJING - On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a strong message to the world, stating humanity must choose between peace and war. His remarks were made during a large-scale military parade in Beijing, where he was joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a rare joint appearance.

The event, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender at the end of World War II, was largely ignored by Western leaders. Instead, it highlighted the growing alignment between China, Russia, and North Korea, with Putin and Kim serving as key guests of honor. The show of force took place as international tensions have been strained by U.S. President Donald Trump's economic policies.

Speaking to a crowd of over 50,000 people in Tiananmen Square, Xi declared that the Chinese people "firmly stand on the right side of history." He then reviewed military troops and advanced hardware from an open-top limousine. The display featured state-of-the-art technology, including hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, and a "robot wolf." The 70-minute showcase also included a flyover by fighter jets and ended with the release of 80,000 'peace' birds.

The gathering of the three leaders sparked immediate reactions, with Donald Trump posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, to sarcastically wish them well as they "conspire against the United States." In response, the Kremlin denied any conspiracy, suggesting Trump's comment was meant to be ironic.

Beyond the public display, analysts are closely monitoring for signs of deeper defense cooperation between the three nations, especially following a recent defense pact between Russia and North Korea. The event also offered North Korea's reclusive leader an opportunity to gain implicit support for his nuclear weapons program. Notably, it was the first time in 66 years that a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade.

Domestically, the parade served to rally patriotic support. It also helped to project China's military progress to the world, providing a positive focal point after a major anti-corruption purge that has removed several high-ranking generals from the People's Liberation Army. 

(Source: Reuters reporting)