BEIJING: China staged a high-profile military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, unveiling its latest weapons systems as President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a symbolic show of solidarity among leaders challenging the Western-led order.
The parade coincided with one of Russia’s largest overnight assaults on Ukraine in recent weeks. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Moscow launched 502 long-range drones and 24 cruise missiles, of which 451 air targets were shot down. Despite the defense, three missiles and 69 drones struck targets across 14 locations, triggering air raid sirens in cities including Kyiv.
“Attack is ongoing, with several more enemy UAVs in the airspace,” Ukraine’s air force said in a statement. Among the projectiles were 16 Kalibr cruise missiles and eight Kh-101 cruise missiles.
Geopolitical Optics
The timing highlighted stark contrasts: while Ukraine faced waves of Russian strikes, images from Beijing showed Xi standing alongside Putin and Kim, underscoring China’s strengthening ties with Moscow and Pyongyang.
China has claimed neutrality in the war but has provided Russia with economic lifelines and dual-use goods believed to support its war effort. Wednesday’s parade marked a further step in Beijing’s effort to project global influence while hosting leaders openly at odds with Western powers.
