In a display of unprecedented geopolitical solidarity, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square for one of the largest military parades in modern history. Held on September 3, 2025, the event commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, symbolizing not just historical remembrance but a bold statement of unity among these powers amid rising tensions with the West. With missiles, tanks, and fighter jets thundering overhead, the parade underscored the deepening ties between China, Russia, and North Korea—often dubbed an “axis of upheaval”—as they navigate global challenges like U.S. sanctions and military pressures. Let’s break down the key moments and what this “link-up” means for the world.
Xi Jinping: The Architect of Unity and Power
As the host, Xi Jinping stood at the center of the spectacle, delivering a speech that warned of a world at a crossroads between “peace or war.” Flanked by Putin and Kim, Xi emphasized China’s resolve to resist external bullying, drawing parallels to WWII while showcasing the People’s Liberation Army’s cutting-edge arsenal, including hypersonic missiles and stealth fighters making their public debut. This wasn’t just a parade; it was Xi’s platform to project China’s military might and diplomatic clout, inviting over two dozen foreign leaders to witness the event. Bilateral meetings on the sidelines likely focused on economic cooperation, energy deals, and mutual support against Western alliances, reinforcing Xi’s vision of a multipolar world order.
Vladimir Putin: Strengthening the Anti-Western Front
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attendance marked a significant show of support for China, especially as Russia faces ongoing isolation due to its actions in Ukraine. Arriving in Beijing, Putin walked alongside Xi and Kim, symbolizing a united front against what they perceive as U.S.-led hegemony. The parade provided Putin an opportunity to highlight Russia’s strategic partnership with China and North Korea, with discussions reportedly touching on arms deals and de-dollarization efforts. Amid U.S. criticisms, including from former President Trump who accused the trio of “conspiring” against American interests, Putin’s presence amplified the narrative of resilience. This link-up builds on Putin’s June 2024 visit to Pyongyang, further cementing military and economic ties in the face of global sanctions.
Kim Jong Un: Stepping onto the Global Stage with the ‘Big Boys’
For North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, this was a rare international outing, crossing into China to join the “big boys” at the parade—a move that elevates his regime’s profile. Kim’s attendance, his first major foreign trip in years, highlights the growing military cooperation between Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow, including alleged arms supplies to Russia for its Ukraine campaign. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Xi and Putin, Kim not only witnessed China’s firepower but also signaled North Korea’s alignment in this emerging bloc. The event comes amid heightened U.S.-North Korea tensions, with Kim using the platform to bolster his domestic image and secure economic aid from allies.
Global Implications: A Challenge to the West?
The parade wasn’t merely ceremonial; it was a geopolitical flex. With Iran’s leader also in attendance, the gathering of these autocrats at the SCO-adjacent event (following the recent Tianjin summit) paints a picture of an “axis” countering Western influence. Analysts see this as a response to U.S. policies under a potential second Trump term, with the trio’s link-up potentially escalating arms races and regional instabilities in Asia and Europe. Yet, it also opens doors for dialogue on issues like denuclearization and trade. As the dust settles from the goose-stepping soldiers and roaring jets, one thing is clear: this 2025 parade has redefined the contours of global alliances.
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