North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and China’s Xi Jinping met in Beijing on September 3. They marked the 1945 end to World War II, 80 years since victorious allies, including the US, ended that deadly conflict. The military parade was a glorious display of the new solidarity among the three countries. As they crowed about their historical connections, they showed off their amazing military might.
The event also featured a show of military muscle. Tens of thousands of soldiers and cutting-edge military hardware proceeded through the streets of Beijing. This joyful observance paid tribute to the struggles of the past. It offered an opportunity for each leader to shore up their own political, domestic diplomatic capital. The convergence of these leaders is extraordinary, particularly in light of rising global tensions and realignment of geopolitical powers.
Sangsoo Lee, an associated fellow at the European Center for North Korea Studies, discussed the implications of this historic meeting. In addition, he’s the founder of Strategic Linkages (SL), which is based in Stockholm. “The convergence of these three leaders signals a potential shift in regional power dynamics,” Lee noted. Beyond the near-term military implications, he continued that North Korea-Russia-China collaboration could upend international relations for years to come.
The large coordinated military parade certainly caught the eye of international observers, who are watching closely and strategically gauging the motivations behind this budding alliance. At the same time, Russia is increasingly isolated by sanctions and other actions taken by the West. North Korea continues to seek legitimacy. Deepening relationships between these three countries might provide them some insulation from outside pressure.
Beyond flexing their military muscle, the show of force served as a means to highlight the leaders’ common aspiration for a multipolar world. These ambitions were echoed in Xi Jinping’s calls for unity and cooperation during his speech at the September parade, showcasing China’s deepening hand in regional politics. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un reiterated North Korea’s commitment to its allies, positioning himself as a key player in this trilateral partnership.
The importance of this meeting goes far beyond symbolism. It highlights an emerging coalition that could impact security arrangements across Asia and beyond. Industry analysts have their eyes on this partnership as it develops. Every country is dealing with their own challenges in their international relations and these changes are happening quickly.