Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping at a grand military parade held in Beijing on September 3, 2025 to mark an important event in East Asian geopolitics. The parade served as an impressive showcase of Chinese military might while simultaneously showing Russia and North Korea their alliance and growing unity against Chinese military expansionism. The parade marked the 75th Anniversary of People’s Republic of China founding. Additionally, China displayed their growing military capabilities through this bold display as well as increased cooperation.
Tiananmen Square in Beijing saw one of the biggest parades of recent times with over 10,000 troops, advanced weaponry and military technologies on display to the world. Putin and Kim joined Xi to send out an important signal about strengthening military and diplomatic ties between these powerful countries.
Chinese Military Parade Reveals New Weapons
China’s military parade showcased an array of new weapons, from advanced missile systems and hypersonic weapons capable of bypassing modern defense systems to next-generation fighter jets and hypersonic weapons that can escape modern anti-air defense systems. At the heart of it all stood China’s DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile which has the range to reach every corner of America; alongside other advanced technologies this missile symbolized China’s growing defense capabilities and their determination to maintain strategic military superiority over its adversaries in Asia.
China demonstrated its expanding space and cyber warfare technologies during a parade on May 7th. A newly designed satellite system designed for both reconnaissance and anti-satellite operations was featured, representing strategic military advances within its borders. Furthermore, an advanced nuclear-powered submarine from its navy was displayed to demonstrate China’s efforts at projecting power in South China Sea and beyond.
Putin and Kim Agree to Strengthen Strategic Alliance
Presidents Putin and Kim Jong-un’s attendance at this event lent it significant weight, symbolizing their strengthening relationship and symbolizing strengthening ties among all three nations. Putin’s presence highlighted Russia and China’s military cooperation, particularly joint defense initiatives and shared intelligence sharing. These two nations have conducted joint military exercises over recent years that demonstrate their common struggle against Western influence as well as their shared commitment to strengthening global presence.
Kim Jong-un’s participation was seen as evidence of North Korea’s deepening relations with China, particularly given recent international sanctions and economic pressure. North Korea’s missile development program has caused much alarm globally; therefore, Kim’s attendance at the parade served as further confirmation that they align with China’s military goals.
Assigning a Message to the West
The joint appearance of China’s three leaders was widely seen as sending a strong signal to America and its allies. China’s military parade and unveiling of new weapons was seen as part of its larger strategy to assert dominance over Indo-Pacific region while challenging America on global stage. Such displays come amid tensions over territorial disputes in South China Sea, Taiwan’s status and ongoing conflicts like Ukraine where China has increasingly supported Russia.
China’s march highlighted its ambitions to alter the global balance of power. While America and its allies continue exerting influence through economic sanctions and military alliances, Chinese investments in military technology as well as strategic partnerships with Russia and North Korea signal an emerging multipolar world order where Beijing plays a leading role.
Implications for Global Security
China’s military demonstration, alongside Russia and North Korea, raises serious concerns over global security. Analysts are closely following how Western powers, particularly the US, respond to these developments. With its rising military capabilities and alliance with Russia and North Korea, China may challenge global norms and security structures that were established over time.
As tensions across the globe increase, actions and partnerships formed during this massive military parade could have lasting effects for regional and global stability. What is certain, however, is that China is asserting more military and political influence worldwide through assertive military displays like these massive parades.