Amidst the strain on Western alliances due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies, Chinese President Xi Jinping convened his Russian and North Korean counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, in Beijing for the first time. The meeting was a show of solidarity for countries that have been shunned by the West, particularly over Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
President Xi hosted Putin for talks at the Great Hall of the People and at his personal residence, referring to him as his “old friend.” Hours later, a Reuters witness observed Kim Jong Un’s armored train arriving in the Chinese capital. North Korean state media confirmed Kim’s arrival, noting that he was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. South Korean intelligence considers Ju Ae to be her father’s most likely successor, making this her first international appearance.
Signaling a New Global Order
The three leaders took center stage at a massive military parade on Wednesday, where the Chinese president flaunted his vision for a new global order. The parade featured thousands of troops and cutting-edge weapons, underscoring China’s rising power. Analysts are closely watching whether the trio will signal closer defense relations, particularly following the pact signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024. Such an alliance could alter the military calculus in the Asia-Pacific region and would be a significant blow to President Trump, who has talked up his close relations with all three leaders despite the war in Ukraine.
Economic and Political Alignment
During the summit, Russia’s Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation signed a deal to increase gas supplies and agreed on a new pipeline that could supply China for 30 years. Xi also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country has been targeted by Trump over its purchases of Russian oil. In response, Trump’s Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China and India of being “bad actors” for financing Russia’s war effort.
