The leaders of China, Russia and North Korea have appeared in public together for the first time in a show of solidarity at a massive military parade in Beijing.
President Xi Jinping said the world faced a choice between peace and war as China unveiled a huge arsenal of weapons – including nuclear missiles with a global reach – to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
The display was not just a look at where China has been, or how far it has come – it was a showcase of where the country is going.
Xi played the role of a global leader prepared to stand alongside two of the most sanctioned leaders in the world: Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
And, at the Chinese leader’s feet, a military which is being built to rival the West.
The parade was a choreographed spectacle of precision, power and patriotism. Thousands of soldiers paraded equipment on Wednesday, demonstrating China’s military modernisation programme.
But, one of the most enduring images of the parade took place before the first cannon was fired.
President Xi welcomed Kim with a long handshake, then moved on to greet Putin, before all three walked together to watch the parade.
This was the first time all three leaders have been seen in public together, and they really picked their moment.
Later, on the sidelines, Putin and Kim met, with Putin praising Pyongyang for sending soldiers to fight in Ukraine.
Putin and Kim joined 24 other dignitaries who had been invited to the Beijing parade.
Former top leaders of China also stood at the Tiananmen viewing platform – but notably absent was former president Hu Jintao.
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung did get an invitation, but turned it down. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – who met President Xi earlier this week – was also not present.
(BBC)
