North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin flanked Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) at a massive parade of military might in Beijing yesterday, capping a week of diplomatic grandstanding by the allies against the West.
Xi shook Kim’s and Putin’s hands, and chatted with the pair as they walked down a red carpet by Tiananmen Square, with Putin to Xi’s right and Kim to his left.
The event, ostensibly to mark 80 years since the end of World War II, was a chance for Xi to put on an extravaganza to showcase China’s military prowess and bring together friendly leaders to send a message to the rest of the world.
Photo: AFP
Xi said that the world was still “faced with a choice of peace or war,” but said China was “unstoppable.”
China’s enormous new DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile, with a range of 20,000km, counted prominently among the tonnes of hardware on display.
The event prompted US President Donald Trump to accuse the three leaders of plotting against the US.
Photo: AP
“Give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
China’s collection of military vehicles and heavy weapons rolled past the dignitaries, while images of thousands of servicemen and women in immaculate uniforms marching in tight ranks, and soldiers jumping in and out of vehicles were shown in a state media broadcast.
All eyes were on how the trio of Xi, Putin and Kim interacted with each other, but the state media broadcast only offered rare snatches of the three together, while foreign journalists were kept at a distance and told not to film or photograph the leaders.
Earlier, Putin thanked Kim for helping Russia oust Ukrainian soldiers from the Kursk region, saying they fought “heroically.”
In a meeting with Kim, Putin also praised their countries’ “trust and friendship,” and said that sending the troops was the North Korean leader’s idea.
North Korea has become one of Russia’s main allies since Moscow invaded Ukraine three-and-a-half years ago, sending thousands of soldiers and container loads of weapons to help the Kremlin push Ukrainian forces out of western Russia, following Kyiv’s shock incursion last year.
“On your initiative, as is well known, your special forces took part in the liberation of the Kursk region,” Putin said at the start of a meeting with his North Korean counterpart. “This was in full accordance with our new agreement. I would like to note that your soldiers fought courageously and heroically.”
“We will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and the families of your servicemen,” he added.
In a video posted by the Kremlin, the pair are seen shaking hands and hugging, before Putin invites Kim to visit Russia.
“We are waiting for you,” the Russian leader said.
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