Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un are coming together in China. And Trump won’t be there
Beijing is preparing to stage one of its most significant military displays in recent memory — but United States President Donald Trump won’t be there to witness it.
On September 3, the Chinese capital will be transformed into a massive stage for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s formal surrender in World War II. The event will feature more than 10,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, and hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles in a striking showcase of China’s military power.
This rare public display of cutting-edge weaponry is expected to draw intense scrutiny from global defense analysts, especially amid heightened tensions with Taiwan and ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
But it’s not just the military spectacle drawing global attention — it’s the high-profile guests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are set to attend the parade at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their presence signals Beijing’s growing diplomatic clout and hints at a strengthening alliance between the three leaders, which some experts see as a direct counterbalance to U.S.-led global influence.
A New Global Axis?
While it’s unclear whether Xi, Putin, and Kim will hold formal trilateral talks, their joint appearance alone marks a notable geopolitical moment. The event offers a platform for the trio to project unity and shared purpose at a time when each faces mounting friction with the West.
Putin, who has described Xi as his “best friend,” will use the occasion to underscore deepening ties with China. Kim’s presence, meanwhile, is even more remarkable — it’s his first public participation in a large-scale international diplomatic event, suggesting a bold shift in North Korea’s posture on the world stage.
Their alignment will likely cause unease in Washington, where concerns are growing over a possible Beijing-Moscow-Pyongyang axis that challenges Western norms. President Trump, notably absent from the event, may interpret the gathering as both a snub and a warning.
No Western Leaders in Sight
No top officials from the U.S. or major Western European nations are expected to attend the parade. One exception appears to be Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. Former Australian state premiers Bob Carr and Dan Andrews will also be present, but current Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will not.
When asked about the absence of Western leaders, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun deflected:
“China holds these commemorative events to remember history, honor the fallen, cherish peace, and build a better future,” he told reporters.
Strategic Messaging
The high-profile gathering comes as U.S.-China tensions remain elevated over trade, technology, and military strategy. In May, Xi publicly pledged to stand with Russia against “hegemonic bullying,” reinforcing Beijing’s commitment to closer coordination with Moscow in response to perceived Western containment.
Trump, for his part, has expressed interest in meeting again with both Xi and Kim — though neither has responded publicly. Earlier this month, Trump held talks with Putin in a failed attempt to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, leaving some analysts suggesting he had been politically outmaneuvered.
Now, with Xi hosting both Putin and Kim in a show of unity — and Trump notably absent — China is sending a powerful message on the global stage, without saying a word.
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