Chinese President Xi Jinping has gathered the leaders of Russia and North Korea for a meeting on Tuesday, marking the first such assembly.
Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude for the “unprecedented relationship” established with China, referring to Xi as a “dear friend” during discussions in Beijing, while Kim Jong Un’s specially equipped train made its way to the city.
Also participating in China’s significant military parade on Wednesday are Iranian officials, highlighting Xi’s growing diplomatic clout amid tensions with the U.S. and what some analysts label “the axis of tumultuousness” as President Trump’s isolationist policies continue to impact global alliances.
Analysts are watching to see if this new meeting could lead to stronger defense ties among the trio, especially following the defense pact signed between Russia and North Korea in June 2024. There’s speculation around how a collaboration with Beijing and Pyongyang might affect military strategies in the Asia-Pacific region.
This development could deal a setback to Trump, who has previously touted his connections to Putin, Xi, and Kim, and has portrayed himself as a peacemaker amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
On Monday, Xi made a not-so-subtle reference to the U.S. during a gathering of over 20 leaders from nations not aligned with the West.
Additionally, Xi met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Trump has criticized both China and India for their continued purchase of Russian oil, which indirectly supports the Russian war effort.
Scott Bescent, Trump’s former Treasury Secretary, labeled the summit “performative,” accusing China and India of complicity in escalating the war between Russia and Ukraine.
During the Tuesday meeting, Russia’s Gazprom and China’s National Petroleum Corporation finalized a contract to enhance gas supplies and agreed on a new pipeline project that could run for the next three decades.
After the formal discussions, the leaders retired to Xi’s private residence for further negotiations.
Alarm Bell
As Trump vies for the Nobel Peace Prize, the emergence of a new military alliance in the Eastern region has raised alarm bells in the West.
“The likelihood of trilateral military exercises involving Russia, China, and North Korea seems almost certain,” remarked Young Jun Kim, an analyst at the Asian Studies Bureau in the U.S., highlighting how the conflict in Ukraine has drawn Russia closer to China.
“Not too long ago, China and Russia collaborated to impose sanctions on North Korea regarding its nuclear and missile tests. Now, things have shifted significantly.” Kim pointed out that North Korean forces have committed over 15,000 troops to assist Russia in its campaign.
In 2024, Kim also hosted the Russian leader in a significant summit in Pyongyang, the first of its kind in more than two decades.
Reports from South Korea’s intelligence indicate that approximately 600 North Korean soldiers lost their lives supporting Russia in the Kursk region, suggesting possible future developments from Pyongyang.
Putin recently emphasized at a Shanghai Cooperation Agency Summit that restoring a “fair balance in the security sector” is crucial, which many interpret as criticism toward NATO and European security measures.
His recent visits to Beijing and his discussions with Xi and Kim may shed light on his future intentions.
For Kim, participating in this military parade is a significant diplomatic milestone.
North Korean state media, Rodong Sinmun, has shared images of Kim and his advisors aboard his train, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, who has played a pivotal role in Pyongyang’s weapons diplomacy for over 20 years.
Prior to heading to China on Tuesday, Kim made a visit to a missile laboratory, an action viewed by analysts as a calculated move to assert North Korea’s nuclear status right before appearing alongside Xi and Putin.
The preparations culminated in a heavily orchestrated “Victory Day” parade, commemorating 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II. Security measures and traffic disruptions were evident throughout downtown Beijing.
The event is set to feature advanced military assets in front of an estimated crowd of 50,000 and will even include the release of over 80,000 doves for peace along with colorful balloons.
