Beijing Parade Signals Formation of a New Axis

Xi Jinping has warned that the world is at a crossroads, facing a choice between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, mutual benefit or zero-sum games.

Interestingly, he made these statements while holding the largest military parade in China's history, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by his side.

This parade concluded a week of large-scale diplomatic events, seen as a warning to the West that a new process of consolidation around a Chinese axis is beginning.

Putin and Kim, the leaders of Russia and North Korea, were among a number of world leaders present at the parade—a huge display of military hardware and personnel organized to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and in reality, also as a warning to all those who would again try to test their strength against China.

Analysts' attention was drawn to the unprecedented image of the three leaders chatting and shaking hands as they walked the red carpet, which they believe was a message to the West amid US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs and volatile policies that are straining relations with allies and rivals.

"Today, humanity is at a crossroads between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, mutual benefit or zero-sum games," Xi said to an audience of more than 50,000 gathered in Tiananmen Square, adding that the Chinese people "firmly stand on the right side of history."

He declared that China is a great nation that "will never be intimidated by any bully," an apparent indirect reference to the US and its allies, and warned that China is "unstoppable" before the start of the massive display of military hardware.

China presented the parade as a display of unity with other countries, and Kim's presence is the first time he has been seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. This is Kim's second known foreign visit in the last six years.

Trump responded to the event almost immediately. "May President Xi and the great people of China have a great and memorable celebration," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

"Please convey my warm regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you plot against the United States."

Guests also included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. No major Western leaders were present.

Political analysts note that the parade was intended to demonstrate Xi's influence over countries seeking to reshape the Western-led world order. It was held just days after a major summit of Global South leaders in the Chinese city of Tianjin, which Putin also attended.

It is not ruled out that an official meeting will also take place between Xi, Putin, and Kim. This would not be unexpected, but it would certainly be unpleasant for Trump.