Putin, Xi, and Kim Display Unity in Beijing
The leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea stood shoulder to shoulder in Beijing on Tuesday, showing a united front during a massive military parade. The display triggered a furious response from U.S. President Donald Trump.
A Fiery Rebuke
During the parade, Putin and Kim walked alongside Xi Jinping onto a viewing stand overlooking Tiananmen Square. Along the way, they stopped to greet and shake hands with five World War II veterans, some over a century old.
The event marked the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II. However, Trump used Truth Social to deliver a sharp rebuke:
“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully honored and remembered for their bravery and sacrifice! May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The parade also highlighted cooperation between Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi, presenting a counterbalance to the U.S.-led global order.
Kim Jong Un’s Global Spotlight
For Kim Jong Un, this parade marked his first major international appearance since taking power 14 years ago. It was also the first time Xi, Putin, and Kim—three leaders often viewed as U.S. adversaries—appeared together in one venue.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service briefed lawmakers that Kim would likely receive security arrangements similar to Putin’s. Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun said, “Kim may stand alongside Xi and Putin on the rostrum at Tiananmen Square during Wednesday’s parade.”
Kim is expected to hold private meetings with both Xi and Putin, as well as with other visiting leaders at receptions and cultural events, aiming to expand North Korea’s diplomatic reach.
North Korea’s Growing Role
North Korea has strengthened ties with Moscow, supplying fighters, ammunition, and laborers in exchange for aid. The country has been active in Russia’s war in Ukraine since 2022.
South Korean intelligence reports that roughly 15,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia since last year, with an estimated 2,000 killed in action. Pyongyang has also pledged to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to the Kursk region to aid reconstruction.
The U.S. has expressed concern. A State Department spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency this summer that Moscow’s reliance on North Korean forces was “deeply concerning.”
Repairing Ties with China
While relations between Pyongyang and Beijing have been strained in recent years, analysts believe Kim is now working to mend them. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner and a key source of aid. With Russia’s war in Ukraine still unresolved, experts say Kim is positioning himself to rely on Beijing once again.
Putin arrived in China on Sunday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the parade. Russian officials said private talks with Kim are “under consideration.” Meanwhile, North Korea’s state media reported that Kim received a warm welcome at Beijing railway station and thanked Xi’s government for its “cordial hospitality.”
