On September 2, 2023, China's President Xi Jinping convened an unprecedented summit in Beijing with his counterparts, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Kim Jong Un of North Korea. This meeting symbolizes a unified front among nations often marginalized by the West, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is now recognized as Europe's most significant war in over 80 years.
The meeting took place at the iconic Great Hall of the People and later moved to Xi's personal residence, where he warmly referred to Putin as his "old friend." Shortly after, Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing aboard his armored train, reinforcing the importance of this diplomatic gathering.
During a grand military parade scheduled for the following day, President Xi is expected to unveil his vision for a new global order, especially as the United States under Donald Trump adopts an "America First" strategy, which has strained traditional Western alliances.
Analysts are closely observing whether this summit could lead to closer military collaborations among the three nations. This speculation follows a pact established between Russia and North Korea in June 2024 and a similar agreement between Beijing and Pyongyang. Such developments could significantly alter the military dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, presenting challenges to Western powers.
Trump has previously emphasized his connections with global leaders like Xi, Putin, and Kim, positioning himself as a peacemaker amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine. However, Xi's remarks at a summit of over 20 non-Western leaders indicate a clear stance against "hegemonism and power politics," subtly targeting Trump’s policies.
The implications of this strengthened alliance are alarming for the West, especially as Trump seeks a Nobel Peace Prize. Analysts, such as Youngjun Kim from the National Bureau of Asian Research, predict that trilateral military exercises among Russia, China, and North Korea are likely, given the shifting geopolitical landscape influenced by the Ukraine conflict.
Historically, China and Russia played pivotal roles in enforcing international sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear ambitions. However, recent developments suggest they are now aligning more closely with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim Jong Un is becoming increasingly significant in the context of the Ukraine war, having reportedly sent more than 15,000 troops to support Russia's military efforts. His recent summit with Putin in Pyongyang—the first of its kind in 24 years—was seen as an attempt to bolster North Korea's international standing while reducing its reliance on China.
According to South Korea's intelligence agency, approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have died fighting for Russia in the Kursk region, with indications that further deployments may be on the horizon. Putin, speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, emphasized the need to restore a "fair balance" in global security, implicitly criticizing NATO's expansion.
The upcoming military parade represents the largest multilateral diplomatic event Kim Jong Un has attended, providing him with a platform to garner implicit support for North Korea's nuclear program while expanding his diplomatic network. Prior to his arrival in China, Kim visited a missile laboratory, a move analysts interpret as a demonstration of North Korea's status as a nuclear power.
China's meticulously planned Victory Day parade will commemorate 80 years since Japan's defeat in World War II, featuring advanced military technology and a display of peace doves, symbolizing China’s aspirations for regional stability.
This historic meeting among Xi, Putin, and Kim marks a pivotal moment in international relations, as the three nations navigate their positions on the world stage amid a backdrop of rising tensions and shifting alliances.
