What's happened
On September 3, 2025, China hosted a military parade marking 80 years since Japan's WWII defeat, featuring Xi Jinping flanked by Putin and Kim Jong Un. The leaders signaled increased coordination against the US-led global order, with China showcasing advanced military technology and reaffirming close ties with Russia.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Signaling
The joint appearance of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un at the parade is a deliberate act of diplomacy and military posturing. It signals a clear intent to challenge US dominance and promote a multipolar world.
Military Modernization
China's display of cutting-edge weapons, including hypersonic missiles and drones, underscores its aim to dominate the Western Pacific and counter US naval power. This military showcase is a message of technological advancement and strategic deterrence.
Russia-China Relations
The reaffirmation of close ties between China and Russia, including the signing of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline deal, highlights a deepening alliance. This partnership is a response to Western sanctions and a move to secure energy resources and geopolitical influence.
Regional Implications
The presence of leaders from Vietnam, Malaysia, Pakistan, and others indicates a broader regional alignment. The event demonstrates China's effort to position itself as a leader in Asia and challenge US influence in the region.
Future Outlook
This display of unity and military strength suggests increased coordination among China, Russia, and North Korea. It foreshadows a more confrontational stance towards Western powers, with potential implications for regional stability and global diplomacy.
What the papers say
The coverage from The Japan Times and Gulf News emphasizes the symbolic importance of the leaders' joint appearance and military displays, framing it as a challenge to the US-led order. Bloomberg adds context by highlighting the strategic significance of the pipeline deal and Russia's diplomatic gains. While The Japan Times focuses on the symbolism and geopolitical messaging, Gulf News underscores the military and diplomatic coordination. Bloomberg's analysis of energy diplomacy complements the military narrative, illustrating how these alliances extend beyond symbolism to tangible strategic interests. The articles collectively portray a deliberate effort by China and Russia to reshape regional and global power dynamics, with North Korea's participation reinforcing their united front. The timing of the event, shortly after the SCO summit, indicates a coordinated push to elevate their influence and challenge Western dominance.
How we got here
The event commemorates Japan's WWII defeat, with China emphasizing its role in global peace and sacrifice. The leaders' joint appearance and military displays reflect China's strategic intent to challenge US influence, while Russia and North Korea seek to bolster alliances amid Western sanctions and geopolitical shifts.
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More on these topics
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
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Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.