The leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea stood shoulder to shoulder in Beijing on Tuesday, presenting a show of ironclad unity at a massive military parade — a display that sent the U.S. president into a furious outburst.
A fiery rebuke
On Tuesday, Putin and Kim underscored their solidarity with Xi Jinping as they walked alongside him onto a viewing stand overlooking Tiananmen Square.
Along the way, they stopped to greet and shake hands with five World War II veterans, some of whom were over a century old.
The event marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and China’s victory over Japan, but it quickly became a flashpoint after Trump took to Truth Social to deliver a fiery rebuke.
“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice! May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.
The gathering was presented as a counterbalance to the U.S.-led global order and featured repeated shows of cooperation between Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi.
Kim’s first major global stage appearance
For Kim Jong Un, the Beijing parade represents his first time attending a major international gathering since taking power 14 years ago.
It is also the first occasion where Xi, Putin, and Kim — all regarded as U.S. adversaries — have appeared together in one venue.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service briefed lawmakers earlier Tuesday that Kim would likely be given security arrangements on par with Putin. “Kim may stand alongside Xi and Putin on the rostrum at Tiananmen Square during Wednesday’s parade,” lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun said, citing the agency’s assessment.
Kim is also expected to hold one-on-one meetings with both Xi and Putin, as well as with other visiting leaders at receptions and cultural events, as he seeks to expand North Korea’s diplomatic reach.
