China’s show of Defiant Global Power was on full display as President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The occasion was a massive military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, referred to by China as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. The event served as a powerful demonstration of China’s military advancements and growing diplomatic influence, challenging the existing US-dominated global order.
A Showcase of Military Might
The parade, held in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and along Chang-an Avenue, featured tens of thousands of Chinese military personnel and an impressive array of cutting-edge military hardware. Among the weapons unveiled were newly developed hypersonic missiles designed to neutralize ships at sea, nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles such as the DF-61, Julang-3, and Jinglei-1, advanced laser weapons, and giant underwater drones like the AJX002. Stealth aircraft, fighter jets, and weaponized “robot wolves” further underscored China’s rapidly modernizing military capabilities. According to various news reports from September 2-3, 2025, this was China’s largest military parade to date.
A United Front: Xi, Putin, and Kim
President Xi Jinping, flanked by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, delivered a speech asserting that the world faces a choice between “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” and declared China “unstoppable” and “never to be intimidated by bullies.” The presence of Putin and Kim Jong Un, alongside dozens of other world leaders primarily from non-Western nations, marked the first time these three prominent figures were seen together at such a major international event. Kim Jong Un’s attendance marked his first multilateral diplomatic engagement, having arrived in China on Tuesday aboard his armored train.
Strategic Implications of the Alliance
Analysts view the gathering as a signal that China is unafraid of pressure and sanctions from Western countries, particularly the United States. The joint appearance of Xi, Putin, and Kim has been interpreted by some Western analysts as forming an “Axis of Upheaval,” highlighting a potential new Cold War dynamic. The event’s impact on the geopolitical landscape is undeniable, marking a shift in international relations.
Geopolitical Ramifications
The gathering in Beijing served distinct strategic purposes for each nation involved. For Russia, according to reports, Putin’s presence allowed for deeper energy deals with China and showcased continued international support amidst Western sanctions over the Russia-Ukraine war. Following a regional security summit in Tianjin, Putin’s visit solidified economic ties crucial for Russia’s resilience against Western pressures.
North Korea’s Gains
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un used the opportunity to gain implicit backing for his nuclear weapons program and project a stronger bargaining position to the United States. Bilateral discussions between Putin and Kim reportedly saw the North Korean leader pledge “everything I can to assist” Russia, reinforcing Pyongyang’s support for Moscow’s war efforts, including the reported dispatch of approximately 15,000 troops and conventional weapons to Russia since last year. This support, if verified, represents a significant escalation in North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.
Concerns and Reactions
The unveiling of advanced anti-ship hypersonic missiles is of particular concern to the US Navy, which patrols the Western Pacific. The display of unity among these three leaders drew a swift reaction from former US President Donald Trump, who posted on social media, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” This military parade and the high-profile attendance underscore China’s vision of a new global order, advocating for unity against “hegemonism and power politics” in a thinly veiled critique of the United States. According to various news outlets, Western leaders largely opted to shun the event.
China’s Defiant Global Power
The Beijing event solidified an emerging alignment that is reshaping international relations. China’s demonstration of advanced weaponry, coupled with the presence of key allies, sends a clear message of its growing global influence. The parade and summit serve as a potent symbol of a shifting world order, one where China seeks to play a more prominent and assertive role, challenging the existing power dynamics and solidifying its position as a major player on the world stage.
