World leaders Xi, Putin, and Kim to join forces at grand military display in Beijing

In a significant move, the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea will gather in Beijing next week for a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event, which will take place on Wednesday, marks a significant moment in international relations, particularly as it brings together the leaders of these three countries for the first time since the Cold War.

The North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, will be attending the parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be Kim Jong Un's first major multilateral event, and it signals a potential shift in North Korea's foreign policy. John Delury, a senior fellow at the Asia Society, suggests that Kim Jong Un may be considering improving ties with China and exploring opportunities with the Americans.

Kim Jong Un's closer relationship with Putin and Xi Jinping could place him in a stronger position should a meeting with President Trump occur. In the past, Trump has met with Kim Jong Un three times, expressing a desire to meet again this year. However, it is unclear whether such a meeting will take place.

South Korea's president will not be attending the event, but the parliamentary speaker will be present to speak with Kim Jong Un. Meanwhile, President Trump is not expected to attend the military parade.

The parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square will likely result in striking images of the three leaders together. China is positioning itself as a leader of a multipolar alternative to the U.S.-led order, and the event will tighten the loose coalition between China, Russia, and North Korea, despite the lack of three-way military drills, offices, or institutions between the three nations.

All three nations fought fascist powers during World War II, and they are attempting to link the past and present in some sort of narrative. China will be highlighting their contribution during World War II, where they suffered 35 million people killed and wounded. Russia and China have also previously helped North Korea to evade international sanctions, and China has provided varying degrees of support to Russia in its war in Ukraine.

The military parade will also see the attendance of 26 heads of state and government, including those from Iran, Cuba, Vietnam, Myanmar, Serbia, and Slovakia. This event underscores the growing importance of China on the global stage and the shifting dynamics of international relations.

World leaders Xi, Putin, and Kim to join forces at grand military display in Beijing