China Victory Day Ceremony: Geopolitical Implications of Kim Jong-un, Xi Jinping, and Putin Standing Together
The Victory Day ceremony held in Beijing was more than a historical commemoration; it served as a stage reflecting today’s geopolitical realities. The sight of Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un, and Vladimir Putin standing side by side was interpreted as a signal of a new alignment challenging the U.S.-led order.
The Historical Context of Victory Day and China’s Strategic Use
Victory Day in China was designated to commemorate Japan’s surrender during World War II. For China, this day has never been a mere remembrance of history. Instead, it has been actively used to strengthen the legitimacy of the Communist Party and emphasize China’s status as a victorious power in the international arena.
This year’s event was different in scale and tone compared to previous ceremonies. Chinese state media highlighted the sacrifices of the anti-Japanese war, amplifying national pride while also showcasing China’s enduring military and political strength. The event demonstrated that Victory Day is not simply about honoring the past but about projecting China’s strategic direction for the present and the future.
The invitation of foreign leaders further elevated Victory Day into an international event. It became a tool of Chinese diplomacy, signaling Beijing’s ambition to place itself at the center of a multipolar world order.
The Joint Appearance of Kim, Xi, and Putin
The most striking moment of the event was the joint appearance of Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un, and Vladimir Putin. It was the first time since the end of the Cold War that the three nations’ leaders appeared together on the same stage, sending a powerful message to the international community.
For Kim Jong-un, attending the ceremony was not just symbolic. While North Korea has expanded military cooperation with Russia in recent years, its economic options remain limited. Restoring ties with China is essential, as Beijing is Pyongyang’s largest trading partner, providing vital energy, food, and tourism revenue. For Kim, the appearance was a strategic move to secure both economic lifelines and diplomatic leverage.
Putin also used the occasion to underline Russia’s diplomatic intent. Amid Western sanctions and isolation over the war in Ukraine, highlighting cooperation with China and North Korea provided Moscow with a political exit strategy. With speculation of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea already in the air, this joint appearance suggested a stronger alignment ahead.
For Xi Jinping, positioning himself between the two leaders symbolized China’s role as the central pillar of a new global order. It was a diplomatic performance demonstrating Beijing’s confidence in its rivalry with the United States.
The Military Parade and Its Message
The heart of Victory Day was the military parade. This year’s parade featured hypersonic missiles, next-generation drones, and advanced air defense systems. It was not simply about displaying military equipment but about sending a clear message from China to the world.
In his speech, Xi emphasized peaceful development but also warned that China was ready to counter any challenge to its sovereignty and security. With tensions rising in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, the parade symbolized Beijing’s readiness to confront external pressure. The event functioned as both a show of force and a carefully crafted diplomatic signal.
Domestically, the parade also served an important purpose. With the economy slowing and youth unemployment high, the large-scale military display was designed to rally national pride and reinforce social cohesion. It was both a military showcase and a political tool.
The Emerging North Korea-China-Russia Alignment in Northeast Asia
The trilateral alignment observed at Victory Day suggested significant changes in the security landscape of Northeast Asia. As the United States, South Korea, and Japan strengthen their security ties, North Korea, China, and Russia appear to be forming a counterbalance.
North Korea seeks economic survival through China and military support through Russia. China, in turn, leverages this alignment to consolidate its role as the regional coordinator and power broker. Russia sees in it a chance to ease isolation and expand its influence in Northeast Asia.
If military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow develops further, security tensions on the Korean Peninsula will intensify. In response, South Korea, the United States, and Japan would likely bolster their security cooperation, potentially creating a new Cold War-like standoff in the region.
Conclusion: The Geopolitical Message of Victory Day
The Victory Day ceremony in Beijing was not just about remembering World War II. It was a political stage projecting the current and future shape of international relations. The joint appearance of Kim Jong-un, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin symbolized the revival of an anti-Western bloc, with implications that extend far beyond symbolism.
North Korea sought economic and diplomatic leverage, Russia pursued a political exit from isolation, and China aimed to assert its leadership in building a multipolar order. Together, the event revealed how national interests converged to create a new diplomatic front, making it a key moment in assessing the direction of Northeast Asia and global politics.
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