Putin and Kim Jong Un to join Chinese parade as a statement against the West

Putin and Kim Join Forces at Beijing Parade

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are set to participate in a military parade in Beijing, marking a rare public appearance together alongside President Xi Jinping. This event is seen as a display of unity in response to Western pressures.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that, apart from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, no other Western leaders will be present at the parade, which will take place next week with 26 foreign secretaries in attendance.

As China’s military power becomes increasingly prominent during the “Victory Day” parade on September 3, the three leaders aim to demonstrate solidarity among China, Russia, and North Korea, particularly given their challenges with international sanctions.

Beijing sees Russia as a key ally, especially in light of the multiple Western sanctions imposed since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which have pushed Russia into a recession.

Putin, who was indicted by the International Criminal Court, last visited China in 2024.

North Korea, allied with China through a formal treaty, has been facing UN Security Council sanctions since 2006 due to its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim last stepped foot in China back in January 2019.

Other participants in the parade commemorating Japan’s formal surrender during World War II include Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Iranian President Masaud Pezasian, Indonesian President Prabowo Suboant, and South Korean Parliament Speaker Woo Wong Sik.

Serbian President Alexander Vic is also expected to be in attendance.

The United Nations will be represented by Secretary General Li Junhua, who has a background in various roles at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has served as the ambassador to Italy, San Marino, and Myanmar.

On the day of the parade, President Xi Jinping will review thousands of troops in Tiananmen Square, accompanied by senior foreign dignitaries and top Chinese officials.