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China's Xi hosts Putin, Kim at Beijing military parade

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By illuminem briefings

· 3 min read


illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Deutsche Welle or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a major military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II
The event, held at Tiananmen Square with over 50,000 attendees, showcased China’s latest military technology and included appearances by 26 world leaders — most notably from nations aligned with or sympathetic to China’s geopolitical stance.

🔭 The context: This parade, China’s largest to date, served multiple strategic purposes: it emphasized China’s interpretation of World War II history, reinforced its emerging bloc with Russia and North Korea, and offered Xi a global stage to assert leadership amid growing tensions with the U.S. and its allies
The event follows increasing military cooperation between the three nations and comes at a time of rising regional instability, including elevated tensions over Taiwan and North Korea's military support to Russia

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The trilateral alignment of China, Russia, and North Korea — highlighted by joint appearances and symbolic gestures — underscores a deepening divide in the international order
As Western nations push for global climate cooperation and stability, these alignments may complicate progress on transnational challenges such as emissions reductions, conflict-induced environmental degradation, and international scientific collaboration
The growing militarization also diverts resources from sustainable development efforts.

⏭️ What's next: Putin and Kim are holding bilateral talks in Beijing following the parade, with further military and economic cooperation on the agenda
Taiwan's government has condemned the event, highlighting the risks of authoritarian consolidation
Western governments are closely monitoring the summit's outcomes, which could include new arms agreements or joint strategic declarations
The parade may also fuel further decoupling efforts in trade, technology, and global governance frameworks

💬 One quote: “This parade allows Xi Jinping to show diplomatic heft, presenting himself as the center of a new constellation of power that moves away from the U.S.-led global order.” – Rik Glauert, DW correspondent

📈 One stat: North Korea reportedly sent over 15,000 troops to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine — underscoring the operational depth of their alliance

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