Xi hosts military parade with Putin, Kim; Trump calls it conspiracy against US

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the country’s largest military parade on Wednesday, joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The event marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War Two defeat and drew attention to changing dynamics in global leadership.

Western leaders were largely absent, while Putin and Kim attended as guests of honor. Their presence underscored China’s closer alignment with Russia and North Korea, amid ongoing tensions with the United States and its allies.

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In a speech to over 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square, Xi framed the current international climate as a crossroads between conflict and cooperation. “Mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation,” he said, adding that China would “stand on the right side of history.”

Following his remarks, Xi conducted an inspection of military personnel and advanced equipment, including missiles, tanks, and drones. The 70-minute parade featured helicopter formations, fighter jet flyovers, and concluded with the release of thousands of doves and balloons.

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Xi wore a suit resembling those worn by former Chinese leader Mao Zedong and welcomed more than 20 international guests, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Subianto’s attendance came amid domestic criticism at home.

Throughout the event, Xi was seen speaking with Putin and Kim. The three leaders watched as military units and hardware passed by, symbolising potential shifts in regional and global power balances.

US President Donald Trump reacted on social media, referencing Xi’s guests and suggesting they were working against the United States. He also reminded followers of the American role in China’s resistance against Japan during World War II.

The parade coincided with Xi’s recent remarks at a regional summit, where he criticised global power structures and promoted alternatives to what he called “hegemonism and power politics” – a likely reference to the US.

Analysts noted the display could signal stronger defense ties between the three countries. Russia and North Korea signed a mutual defense agreement in June 2024, and similar arrangements with China are possible.

Putin used the occasion to expand energy deals with Beijing. For Kim, the event provided a platform to gain support for his country’s nuclear program, which remains under international sanctions. This marked the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade in over six decades. Kim traveled with his daughter, Ju Ae, though she was not seen at the ceremony.

Internally, the parade comes after a series of anti-corruption campaigns within the People’s Liberation Army, which saw the removal of multiple high-ranking officers. The event placed focus on China’s defense modernisation while diverting attention from ongoing internal challenges.

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Xi described China’s national revival as “unstoppable” and encouraged unity. Reports indicated that government workers across the country were instructed to watch the parade and record their thoughts.

Beijing underwent strict security measures ahead of the event. Roads and schools were temporarily closed, and local officials organised large-scale monitoring efforts, drawing from community volunteers and party members.