BREAKING: Russian President Vladimir Putin has just hailed the “unprecedentedly” strong ties between Russia and China as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrives in Beijing for a monumental military parade. This high-stakes gathering features dozens of global leaders and highlights China’s military prowess as tensions escalate worldwide.
In a meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Putin described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dear friend” and emphasized the strategic nature of their relationship. “We were always together then, and we remain together now,” Putin stated, underscoring the deepening alliance amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, particularly with the United States.
The parade, scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, 2023, marks 80 years since the defeat of Japan in World War II and will showcase thousands of soldiers, rumbling tanks, and advanced fighter jets. Analysts refer to this convergence of leaders—from Iran, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe—as an “axis of upheaval,” signaling a shift in global power dynamics.
Putin is expected to meet Kim for discussions following the parade, further solidifying their partnership, which has intensified recently as North Korea has reportedly sent tens of thousands of troops to support Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kim’s arrival on a specially armoured train marks his first visit to China since 2019 and highlights the significance of this international event, the largest attended by a North Korean leader since 1959.
On the economic front, Putin and Xi have finalized a major agreement to significantly boost China’s imports of Russian gas over the next 30 years, including the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline. This project will facilitate the transit of 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually to China, further intertwining the two economies. This energy deal comes as China continues to emerge as a vital lifeline for Russia amid ongoing sanctions and economic challenges stemming from the conflict in Ukraine.
Additionally, during talks in Beijing, more than 20 bilateral cooperation documents were signed, enhancing ties across multiple sectors. Xi announced that starting from September 15, 2023, China will extend visa-free travel privileges to Russian passport holders, fostering greater connectivity between the two nations.
Putin also met with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, the only EU leader present, praising Slovakia’s independent stance. Notably, Fico has criticized Ukraine and has stalled EU sanctions against Russia, raising questions about energy security in the region. Putin suggested Slovakia stop gas supplies to Ukraine, stating, “Shut off gas supplies that go in reverse.”
As tensions mount, Putin reaffirmed he has never opposed Ukraine’s potential EU membership but held a firm stance on NATO. “As for NATO, this is another issue,” he clarified, attempting to ease fears of further aggression towards Europe.
The implications of these developments are significant, with analysts suggesting that the strengthening of ties between Russia, China, and North Korea reflects a broader strategy to counteract Western influence globally. The atmosphere in Beijing is charged as these leaders unite to showcase military might and economic collaboration, marking a pivotal moment in international relations.
With the parade just hours away, all eyes are on Beijing as the world watches how these alliances will shape the geopolitical landscape in the months to come. Share this article for real-time updates on this historic event!
