In a powerful display of solidarity, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted his Russian and North Korean counterparts in Beijing, a move aimed at countries that have been ostracized by the West for their involvement in Europe’s worst war in 80 years.
Xi held talks with Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People and at his personal residence, referring to him as his “old friend.” A few hours later, North Korean state media confirmed that Kim Jong Un’s armored train had arrived in the Chinese capital, with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, making her international debut alongside him. South Korean intelligence views Ju Ae as the most likely successor to her father.
Xi, Putin, and Kim are set to be the focal point of a massive military parade on Wednesday. This event will allow the Chinese president to showcase his vision for a new global order at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies are straining Western alliances. Analysts are closely watching to see if the trio will signal closer defense cooperation, building on a pact signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024 and a similar alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang. Such an outcome could significantly alter the military balance in the Asia-Pacific region.
This would also be a setback for Trump, who has frequently boasted of his close relationships with all three leaders and his efforts as a peacemaker while Russia’s war with Ukraine has continued for three and a half years. In a thinly veiled jab at his rival, Xi told a summit of over 20 non-Western leaders on Monday: “We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics.”
The Chinese president also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country has been targeted by Trump for its purchases of Russian oil, which is seen as helping to finance Putin’s war. Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent labeled the summit “performative” and accused China and India of being “bad actors” by fueling Russia’s war effort.
As the meeting between Putin and Xi took place, Russia’s Gazprom and the China National Petroleum Corporation signed a deal to increase gas supplies and a new pipeline agreement that could provide gas to China for 30 years.
