BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China “unstoppable” while flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a major military parade in Beijing.
The three leaders stood together along Tiananmen Square’s red carpet in an unprecedented display of unity against Western powers during the 90-minute event marking World War II’s 80th anniversary.
Xi warned the world faced a critical choice between peace and war while showcasing China’s advanced military hardware and personnel before assembled international dignitaries.
US President Donald Trump responded acidly on Truth Social by accusing the trio of conspiring against America and sending his “warmest regards” to Putin and Kim.
The parade featured extensive military displays including massed troops, weaponry convoys, and aerial formations flying in an “80” pattern over Beijing’s Chang’an Avenue.
This event culminated a week of diplomatic activities where Xi hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit promoting non-Western regional collaboration.
During the earlier summit, Xi criticised “bullying behaviour” from certain countries while Putin defended Russia’s Ukraine offensive and blamed the West.
Kim Jong Un’s attendance marked his first public appearance with both Xi and Putin and only his second reported international trip in six years.
Security intensified throughout Beijing with road closures, military patrols, and extensive barriers lining the capital’s major boulevards for the event.
Analyst Lam Peng Er from the National University of Singapore noted the gathering demonstrated North Korea’s powerful alliances and China’s growing political influence. – AFP