North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin will both be present at the impending Chinese military parade in Beijing in a major geopolitical move. The summit, held on September 3, is the 80th anniversary of the World War II surrender by Japan and is intended to remind the expanding international power of China.
The two leaders’ involvement is an indication of the rarity of diplomacy. It also highlights how China was strengthening its ties with North Korea and Russia at a period when the world was divided into greater degrees of division. It will be conducted in the historical square of Tiananmen in Beijing, and the parade will most probably consist of a great demonstration of military strength, advanced technologies, and foreign leaders.
What Is So Important about this Parade?
China’s military parade is not just a ceremony. It is a tactical stage on which President Xi Jinping can present the modernized armed forces of the country and strengthen the role of China as the leader in the changing world order.
Amidst the tension surrounding Ukraine and fears of military aggression in the world, this parade will receive special attention from the European governments. As numerous Western leaders remain absent, Kim and Putin are an assertive front against the US-led international policy on the war in Ukraine of Russia. Here is the link to our article on US-Ukraine Support.
Who Else Will Attend the Parade?
The leaders of 26 different countries are accredited to be present at the event. They include officials of Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Middle Eastern allies like Iran. The president of Indonesia, the prime minister of Malaysia, and the military leader of Myanmar are also expected to be present.
Nonetheless, the European Union will have a low representation. Just the Slovak Prime Minister would be present; Hungary and Bulgaria would also send an envoy. The new president of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, is invited but has not yet responded.
What Role Does Kim Jong Un’s Presence Play?
The event will mark a historic diplomatic step because this will be the first time that Kim Jong Un appears in a Chinese military parade since 1959. The fact that he was attending points to the covert strengthening of relationships between Pyongyang and Beijing, particularly after several weapons transactions between North Korea and Russia.
Although Kim does not travel much to other countries, his choice of attending a high-profile event reflects that there is a calculated attempt to appear united with China and Russia. It is also a possible political action before the next round of negotiations between the United States and South Korea. Here is the link to our article on Ukraine Defence Boost.
How Could This Impact South Korea?
President Lee Jae Myung is in an awkward situation. The call would put him on the same page with leaders such as Kim, Putin, and the Iranian president, who are not perfect. Nevertheless, the attendance may also pose a unique chance to re-establish diplomatic contact with North Korea.
However, Pyongyang still refuses the overture of Seoul. North Korea’s state media has just a few days ago dismissed Lee as a confrontational maniac, killing off the reconciliation prospects. When Lee comes and Kim simply ignores him publicly, this would have a political backlash at home.
What Will China Showcase at the Parade?
The military parade of China will incorporate more than 45 military formations, with tanks, aircraft, anti-drone mechanisms, and special units. This is the first time China will introduce its new restructured armed forces, and this will provide military analysts with valuable information about its capabilities.
Thousands of armies will be paraded in Tiananmen Square with war veterans. The 70-minute event will also become a source of pride to President Xi as he aligns China in opposition to Western influence.
Final Thoughts
This new military parade of China is an indication of a robust realignment of partnerships all over the world. Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin attend the event, making it bigger than a military show- it demonstrates the desire of Beijing to influence the formation of the multipolar world order. The meeting of these leaders provides strategic visibility and a multidimensional message to the West as global tensions escalate: alliances are becoming dynamic, a nd alternative power centers are beginning to form.
