BEIJING: A grand military parade took place on Wednesday, in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping, alongside Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as well as other world leaders, attended the event. In his speech, Xi asserted that China is “unstoppable” and will “never be intimidated” by external pressures. He emphasized, “The Chinese nation does not fear bullying and moves forward with resolute determination.” The 70-minute parade showcased over 10,000 soldiers, hundreds of armored vehicles, fighter jets, drones, and hypersonic missiles. Kim Jong Un’s presence alongside the leaders of China and Russia marked his first experience at a multilateral event. Western analysts view this gathering as a sign of convergence among sanctioned nations and a challenge to the U.S.-led global order. Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the leaders of Russia and North Korea, accusing them of “conspiring against America.” During his four-day visit to China, Putin participated in several political and economic meetings, with experts suggesting the possibility of new oil agreements between the two countries. China also unveiled new military equipment during the parade, including the HQ-29 missile, underwater systems, tank-mounted drones, robotic dogs, and the Dongfeng-5 intercontinental missile, which can target the U.S. and Western Europe.
