China’s upcoming WWII parade is evolving into a rally for anti-Western sentiment, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin set to be the star guests. Kim will travel to Beijing for the Wednesday event, marking his first trip outside North Korea since 2019.
The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the war’s end has been overshadowed by a modern conflict. The United States and its key European allies are boycotting the parade over the attendance of Putin, effectively turning it into a showcase of nations opposed to Western policies.
Kim’s visit is a significant diplomatic maneuver aimed at strengthening his country’s most vital alliance. With China dominating North Korea’s trade to the tune of 97%, this trip is essential for ensuring that economic support continues to flow.
The presence of Kim, Xi, and Putin together will send a powerful message of a coordinated challenge to the U.S.-led global order. It is a visual representation of the deepening ties between three nations that have found common cause in their opposition to the West.
