Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood publicly shoulder to shoulder for the first time on Wednesday, ahead of a massive military parade in central Beijing.
Marking 80 years since China's victory over Japan in World War Two, the parade showcased new military hardware, including a nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile and hypersonic weaponry. As Xi seeks to position Beijing as a global counterweight to the United States amid ongoing tensions, the event drew the attention of analysts who assess its implications for international relations.
Five BBC correspondents weighed in on the significance of the spectacle, noting its reflection of a potentially emerging 'new world order'. Laura Bicker, reporting from China, noted the enduring image of Xi shaking hands with Kim and Putin as a political maneuver amidst the backdrop of China's military show of force.
James Landale highlighted the consequences for the West, suggesting that Xi's bid for leadership in a new global order is concerning, especially as India’s growing ties with China complicate traditional alliances. Meanwhile, Steve Rosenberg pointed out the parade’s clear message to the Trump administration, emphasizing an alternative vision to U.S.-led global initiatives.
Security correspondent Frank Gardiner discussed the advanced military technologies displayed, including hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence-driven weaponry, indicating China's rapid modernization efforts aimed at rivaling Western military capabilities.
As the global geopolitical landscape increasingly shifts, the implications of China's assertive posture and strategic alliances will require careful consideration from Western leaders seeking to navigate this evolving terrain.
