Russian, Chinese and North Korean leaders to attend military parade in Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will, for the first time, join Chinese President Xi Jinping at a formal military ceremony in Beijing. The parade, scheduled for September 3 to mark “Victory Day,” is aimed at showcasing the alignment of countries under Western sanctions and pressure.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26 foreign leaders are set to attend the event. None of them are from Western nations, with the exception of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose country is a member of the European Union.

The simultaneous presence of the three leaders — China as an emerging military power, Russia under heavy Western sanctions, and isolated North Korea — is seen as a symbolic move against Western policies. The gathering comes as democratic governments voice concern over the expanding political and military influence of the three countries.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan continues to suffer from international isolation and lack of global recognition under Taliban rule. The group’s neutrality and disregard for global realities risk further depriving the country of opportunities for cooperation with the international community.