Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and a parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The meeting highlighted the cooperation of Russia, China and North Korea—three nuclear states able to challenge US influence.
Kim Jong Un did not attend the summit itself but, together with Putin, became a central figure at a parade organized by Chinese authorities under Xi Jinping. The leaders' joint presence aimed to showcase nuclear potential and unity against Western powers.
US President Donald Trump commented via social media, instructing Xi Jinping to pass “greetings” to Putin and Kim Jong Un, characterizing their cooperation as a “conspiracy” against the US. The Kremlin responded that Trump's words were ironic.
North Korean media emphasized that the country stands ready to continue military support for Russia, possibly by sending soldiers to the Ukrainian front. Such cooperation benefits both North Korea and China, as North Korean military gains combat experience shared with Beijing.
The parade was also used to demonstrate China’s nuclear triad, as Beijing signals its intention to join the ranks of major nuclear powers alongside the US and Russia. China remains tight-lipped about the size of its nuclear arsenal, avoiding arms control talks.
During the visit, China unilaterally cancelled visa requirements for Russian citizens, strengthening their strategic partnership. This helps Moscow withstand sanctions and continue the conflict in Ukraine.
At the parade, Kim Jong Un shook hands with the South Korean parliament speaker for the first time in years—a possible sign of changes in regional policy. Heightened tensions and displays of strength are uniting Russian, Chinese, and North Korean interests in global politics today.
