China Plans Massive Beijing Military Parade with Putin, Kim

China is holding a major military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Imperial Japan's surrender in World War II, showcasing its growing military strength and signaling unity with Russia and North Korea against the West. The parade, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, highlights China's ambitions to rival the U.S. militarily and reflects strategic alliances amid heightened regional tensions, especially over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Kim Jong Un's attendance is notable as his first participation in a multilateral event during his rule, traveling by special train from Pyongyang, signaling a rare diplomatic appearance and potential military alignment with China and Russia. Western leaders, including the U.S., declined to attend partly due to Putin's presence, underscoring geopolitical divides. Analysts view the event as a show of force intended to demonstrate China’s formidable military capabilities and the strengthening ties among these authoritarian leaders. The gathering may also set the stage for unprecedented trilateral talks between Xi, Putin, and Kim, although no formal meetings have been confirmed.