Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Reinforce China-Russia Alliance Ahead of Beijing Military Parade
Beijing, China — Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Tuesday for high-level talks, just one day before China unveils its most extensive military parade in modern history. The meeting underscores the growing political, military, and economic alignment between Beijing and Moscow.
Putin described the partnership between the two nations as being at an “unprecedented level.” Speaking directly to Xi, he said:
“Dear friend, my delegation and I are honored to meet again with our Chinese counterparts. Our continued communication highlights the strategic depth of Russia-China ties, which remain stronger than ever. We stood together in the past, and we continue to stand together today.”
Xi, in turn, stressed that the relationship has endured “the test of international changes.” He emphasized China’s readiness to work alongside Russia to promote “a more just and reasonable global governance system.”
Beijing Set to Host Largest-Ever Military Parade
On Wednesday, Xi will preside over China’s largest military parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The event is expected to serve as a powerful display of both military might and China’s growing influence on the global stage.
Earlier this year, Xi traveled to Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day celebrations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany, further highlighting the symbolic solidarity between the two nations.
This week’s talks illustrate Xi’s ambition to position China as both an economic powerhouse and a diplomatic heavyweight, especially as global trade tensions with Washington continue to disrupt established alliances.
A Unified Critique of the West
Both Xi and Putin used their meeting to challenge Western powers. Xi condemned “bullying practices” by certain nations—an indirect criticism of the United States—while Putin defended Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, blaming Western governments for escalating the conflict.
The talks came after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, which included leaders from India, Iran, and Pakistan. At the summit, Xi urged members to reject “Cold War mentalities and bloc confrontation,” while Putin said the gathering paved the way for “a new system beyond outdated Eurocentric models.”
Kim Jong Un’s Rare Appearance in China
Adding to the symbolism of the event, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on Tuesday aboard his armored train. Kim is set to attend Wednesday’s parade in what marks his first participation in a multilateral international gathering.
It is also the first time in more than six decades that a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade. The last occasion dates back to 1959, when Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-Sung, stood alongside Chinese leaders.
Most Western heads of state are expected to boycott the parade due to their opposition to Russia’s war in Ukraine and the heavy sanctions imposed on Moscow.
Strategic Alignment Amid Global Tensions
While Western governments accuse Beijing of quietly aiding Russia’s war efforts through oil purchases and dual-use exports, China has rejected those claims, insisting it remains neutral.
North Korea, however, has openly supported Moscow, supplying weapons and troops to assist in the Ukraine war. Kim’s presence in Beijing alongside Xi and Putin highlights an increasingly visible anti-Western bloc taking shape in Northeast Asia.
Conclusion
The Beijing summit and upcoming military parade showcase not just China and Russia’s deepening alliance, but also North Korea’s willingness to join that partnership. Together, Xi, Putin, and Kim are signaling their intent to challenge Western influence and reshape the global order.