Putin Praises China Ties as Kim Jong-un Arrives for Beijing Parade

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning

Why: The report emphasizes the unity of Russia, China, and allied states against Western influence, with more favorable framing toward Moscow and Beijing while presenting Western criticism only in passing.

Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Russia-China Relations at “Unprecedented Level”

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Moscow’s partnership with China as being at an “unprecedentedly high level” during meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Putin called Xi a “dear friend” and highlighted the close coordination between the two nations. Xi, in turn, referred to Putin as an “old friend,” underscoring their personal and political bond. The two leaders met both at the Great Hall of the People and later at Xi’s personal residence.

Leaders Gather for Parade and Summit

Putin is among dozens of world leaders and dignitaries who traveled to Beijing for a large-scale military parade marking 80 years since the defeat of Japan in World War II. Thousands of Chinese troops, tanks, and fighter jets are set to feature in the event.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Beijing by armored train for his first international appearance of this scale since 1959. Other attendees include leaders from Iran, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, and Mongolia, signaling the growing bloc of non-Western alliances. Analysts have labeled the gathering an “axis of upheaval” due to the concentration of states opposing Western dominance.

Possible Putin-Kim Meeting

A Kremlin aide told Interfax that Putin is expected to meet Kim during the trip. Russia and North Korea have strengthened ties over the past year, with Pyongyang providing troops to support Moscow in its war effort against Ukraine. Kim’s presence at the parade marks his first visit to China since 2019 and demonstrates his alignment with both Moscow and Beijing.

Slovakia’s Role in Beijing

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was the only European Union leader present at the event. Putin praised him for what he called an “independent” position within Europe. Fico has repeatedly criticized Kyiv and resisted EU sanctions on Moscow, arguing they endanger Slovakia’s energy supply. During the meeting, Putin suggested Bratislava cut off reverse gas flows to Ukraine.

Putin on Ukraine and Europe

Putin stated that Russia has never objected to Ukraine joining the European Union, distinguishing it from NATO membership. He also insisted Moscow had no intention of attacking Europe.

This messaging reflects Putin’s ongoing attempt to separate the EU from NATO in the public discourse while maintaining pressure on Kyiv’s Western allies.

Expanding Energy and Trade Ties

China and Russia signed over 20 new bilateral agreements during the talks, including a landmark deal to build the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. The project will transport 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to China annually for the next 30 years.

Chinese purchases of Russian energy have been a vital economic lifeline for Moscow since the beginning of the Ukraine war. Xi emphasized that growing global instability should lead to stronger cooperation between China, Russia, and Mongolia. China also announced visa-free travel privileges for Russian passport holders starting September 15.

India and the SCO Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin earlier in the week. His presence was interpreted as a sign of improving relations between Beijing and New Delhi following U.S. tariffs on Indian exports.

Beijing’s Broader Goals

At the SCO meeting, Xi proposed a new “global governance initiative,” continuing Beijing’s strategy of advancing alternative frameworks for international order that counter Western-led institutions. The combination of high-profile bilateral agreements, multilateral meetings, and a large-scale military parade highlights China’s efforts to display its power and leadership on the global stage alongside Russia and its allies.