A dangerous meeting...
News September 04, 2025

A dangerous meeting...

Chinese President Xi Jinping stood alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a military parade in Beijing on Sept. 3, marking the 80th anniversary of China’s World War II victory. Xi used the event to signal resistance to growing U.S. pressure, while the three leaders showcased closer ties. It was the first time since 1959 that the trio appeared together atop Tiananmen Gate. Kim’s visit followed a tour of a missile factory, underscoring North Korea’s intent to advance its nuclear program. [PARK YONG-SEOK]

A palpable tension hung in the air as Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Russian President Vladimir Putin stood shoulder-to-shoulder during a grand military parade in Beijing on September 3rd. The spectacle commemorated the 80th anniversary of China's victory in World War II, but the presence of these three leaders together spoke volumes beyond historical remembrance.

The event, held against the backdrop of the iconic Tiananmen Gate, served as a powerful display of unity among the nations. It was a deliberate signal, observers noted, of their collective resistance to what they perceive as growing pressure from the United States and its allies. This unprecedented gathering, the first of its kind since 1959, underscored the increasingly close ties being forged between China, North Korea, and Russia.

The parade itself was a carefully orchestrated show of military might, featuring advanced weaponry and disciplined troops. However, the symbolism of the three leaders standing side-by-side resonated far more profoundly on the international stage. The message was clear: these nations, despite their individual challenges and complexities, are presenting a united front.

Kim Jong-un's presence was particularly noteworthy. His visit to Beijing followed a tour of a North Korean missile factory, an act that further amplified concerns about the nation's unwavering commitment to advancing its nuclear weapons program. This timing suggests a coordinated effort to project strength and defiance in the face of international sanctions and condemnation. The combined optics of the parade and Kim's prior activities have undoubtedly raised anxieties among Western powers, who view North Korea's nuclear ambitions as a significant threat to regional and global security. The meeting in Beijing, therefore, is not merely a historical observation, but a stark reminder of the shifting geopolitical landscape and the challenges ahead. The photograph of the three leaders, captured by PARK YONG-SEOK, will likely become an enduring image of this potentially volatile moment in international relations.
Category: Politics