China demonstrated its growing geopolitical power with a huge military parade. The parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square marked the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II. Among the 20 guests of honor for President and Party leader Xi Jinping were Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
United in rivalry against democratic states
“It was a sight the world had never seen before – and one that will likely go down in history books: Russian President Vladimir Putin alongside North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. Never before had the three of them appeared in public together and demonstrated such unity.”
“On the red carpet and in the group photo with more than 20 other guests, the trio is in the center and stands out. Xi, Putin and Kim, united in their rivalry against democratic states, especially against the United States of America. A trio that, if they could, would gladly change the world order and would gladly watch the collapse of democracies.” – writes ARD correspondent Eva Lamby-Schmitt.
Humanity today finds itself “facing a choice between peace and war, dialogue or confrontation,” Xi said in his speech. China will stand “resolutely on the right side of history” and adhere to the path of peaceful development, Xi stressed.
"A fraternal duty"
During their meeting in Beijing, Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised the close partnership between their countries, also mentioning the war in Ukraine.
"Relations between our countries have recently taken on a special, trusting, friendly and allied character," Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his meeting with Kim Jong Un.
The Kremlin chief explicitly thanked Kim Jong Un for sending North Korean soldiers to support Russian forces in the war against Ukraine: "We will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your soldiers," Putin said.
At Kim's initiative, North Korean troops "took part in the liberation of the Kursk region," Putin said. Earlier this year, about 2,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in fighting in the western Russian border region of Kursk, which was temporarily occupied by Ukrainian troops.
Kim told Putin, “If there is anything I can or should do for you and the Russian people, I consider it my brotherly duty.” As they parted, Kim hugged Putin, talking about a future meeting. “We are waiting for you, come,” Putin replied.
Conspiracy against the US
US President Donald Trump commented on the parade on his online platform Truth Social with the words: "I wish President Xi and the wonderful people of China a wonderful and unforgettable holiday. Please extend my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as they plot against the United States of America."
The Kremlin has dismissed US President Donald Trump's claim that Russia, China and North Korea are conspiring against Washington. "I mean, nobody instigated any conspiracy, nobody plotted anything," said Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy adviser. He said he hoped Trump's comments were meant as irony. /DW
