Xi Hosts Putin, Kim, Pezeshkian at Beijing WWII Victory Parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a major military parade in Beijing on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. This parade, one of China's largest in recent years, will showcase advanced military technology and tens of thousands of troops, emphasizing China's growing military strength and global influence. The event highlights a strategic alliance among China, Russia, North Korea, and other Global South countries, many of which face Western sanctions, signaling a collective defiance against Western pressure. Notably, only a few Western leaders, such as Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, will attend, underscoring the geopolitical divide. Putin's presence marks his first visit to Beijing since 2024 amid international isolation, while Kim's attendance reaffirms the deep ties between China and North Korea, longstanding treaty allies. The parade serves as a platform for these leaders to project unity and strength in the face of global turbulence and sanctions.