The leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea—Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un—arrived in Beijing for a massive parade marking the culmination of a week-long diplomatic spectacle orchestrated by China, AFP reported.

In an unusual scene, Xi shook hands with both leaders and spoke with them as they walked along a red carpet toward Tiananmen Square, with Putin on his right and Kim on his left.

The parade will showcase China’s military strength through marching formations, aerial flyovers, and displays of high-tech weaponry, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.

The event, starting at 9:00 a.m. local time and lasting 70 minutes, is the climax of an intense week for Xi, who held a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the northern port city of Tianjin with ten countries, presenting China as a central power in the region.

During the summit, Xi condemned “abuses and harassment” by certain countries—a veiled reference to the United States—while Putin defended Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, blaming the West for the conflict.

Many participants in Tianjin, including Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, joined the parade, but no leading Western leaders were present.

Security in Beijing is tight, with road closures, military checkpoints, and kilometers of barriers. Chinese flags fly along the streets and residential areas, while art installations featuring flowers, doves, and the emblem of the Great Wall reading “1945–2025” decorate the city.

According to military experts and social media, the parade will feature anti-ship missiles, underwater drones, missile defense systems, and a purportedly massive laser weapon. All systems are domestically produced in China and “in active service.”

For Kim Jong Un, this is his first appearance at an event with Putin and Xi and his second official foreign trip in six years. He arrived by train, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, and was greeted by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Analysts interpret his visit as a signal to North Koreans and the world that he has powerful allies in Russia and China who treat him with respect, while China demonstrates its ability to convene influential leaders.

When asked about the meeting between the three leaders, former President Donald Trump said in a radio interview: “I’m not worried at all, no.” | BGNES