North Korean leader Kim Jong-un participates in a military parade alongside Putin and Xi, a milestone event that marks the first such gathering in 66 years.

In a significant display of cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un came together in Beijing on the morning of September 3, 2025, marking the first joint event by the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea in 66 years. The historic gathering took place at Tiananmen Square, where the three leaders attended a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japan and the end of World War II.

Xi Jinping welcomed Kim Jong-un into Tiananmen Square's red-carpeted main entrance ahead of the event. The North Korean leader was seen standing with Putin and Xi at the viewing gallery, donning a black suit and a gold-colored tie. As they approached the rostrum, Putin walked on Xi's right, and Kim walked on his left.

The parade showcased China's latest weaponry and marching troops, symbolising the strength and unity of the three socialist countries. The spectacle of Kim standing with Putin and Xi was a display of defiance against the West, signalling a shift in global politics.

During the parade, Xi shook hands with Kim Jong-un alongside other state leaders, while the three leaders - Putin, Xi, and Kim - shared conversations side by side, marking a historic moment of solidarity.

The military parade in Tiananmen Square was part of the celebrations marking China's victory over Japan and the end of World War II. It was a significant display of cooperation among China, Russia, and North Korea, reaffirming the strong bonds between the three nations.

This is the first time leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea have come together since 1959, when North Korean founder Kim Il-sung, Chinese founder Mao Zedong, and former Soviet Union Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev jointly attended a similar military parade. The meeting of leaders from Pyongyang, Moscow, and Beijing is a testament to the enduring friendship between the three nations and their commitment to mutual cooperation.