Photo Credit: Getty Images
For the first time, the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea appeared together publicly, demonstrating solidarity at a grand military parade in Beijing. President Xi Jinping emphasized that the world faces a choice between peace and war as China showcased a vast arsenal, including nuclear missiles with global reach, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. The display highlighted not only China’s past achievements and progress but also its future ambitions.
It was the meeting between Xi, Kim and Putin - not just the weapons and troops on show - that appears to have grabbed the attention of Donald Trump. The US president, who did not attend, took to his social media platform and accused President Xi of conspiring against the US with Russia and North Korea.
"Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America," Trump posted on Truth Social.
Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov rejected any suggestion of a conspiracy against the US, according to Russian state media.
Ushakov called Trump's words "ironic" and said Putin, Xi and Kim are "not even thinking about a conspiracy against the United States" and that the three leaders understand Washington's role "in the current international situation".
The parade was a choreographed spectacle of precision, power and patriotism. Thousands of soldiers paraded equipment on Wednesday, demonstrating China's military modernisation programme.
Later, on the sidelines, Putin and Kim met, with Putin praising Pyongyang for sending soldiers to fight in Ukraine. Putin and Kim joined 24 other dignitaries who had been invited to the Beijing parade.
South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung did get an invitation, but turned it down. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi - who met President Xi earlier this week - was also not present.
Among the world leaders attending were Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif, Vietnam's Luong Cuong and Zimbabwe's Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Most Western leaders opted not to attend China's "Victory Day" parade.
The two that did make the journey - Slovakia's Robert Fico and Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia - posed for photos with Putin after the main event.
Guests then enjoyed a lunch reception at the Great Hall of the People. President Xi gave a toast to say the world must "never return to the law of the jungle". He did not address any Western nations specifically in his five-minute speech.
He concluded by toasting to "common prosperity for all humankind".
