Global Leaders Unite at China's WWII Anniversary Parade

The leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea are set to unite at a major military parade in Beijing next week, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will make a rare trip abroad to attend the event, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The gathering is seen as a demonstration of the close alliance between the three nations, with China being North Korea's biggest aid and trading partner, and Kim providing Russia with troops for its war in Ukraine. The event will also be attended by 26 foreign leaders, including Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing, but none from the US or Western Europe. China's assistant foreign minister, Hong Lei, emphasized the importance of maintaining and developing relations between China and North Korea, as well as the unity and solidarity between China and Russia.

The article discusses China's role in the post-World War II order as the 80th anniversary of Victory Day approaches. Despite suffering an estimated 35 million casualties during the war, China is now viewed by some as a revisionist power intent on upending the global system. The article examines how China's sacrifices during the war underpin its determination to uphold global norms and how its growing global influence is perceived as a challenge to the Western-dominated security architecture. President Xi Jinping is likely to use the upcoming military parade to assert China's role as a defender of the post-war order.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is set to visit China for the first time in over six years to attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for bilateral talks between Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who have not met in person since 2019. The parade, scheduled for September 3, will be attended by around 26 world leaders, including Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Kim's attendance is seen as an upgrade from North Korea's previous representation at China's Victory Day parade a decade ago, when senior official Choe Ryong-hae was sent. The event will feature thousands of soldiers marching in Tiananmen Square and a display of the People's Liberation Army's latest military hardware.

Veteran diplomat Tommy Koh believes Singapore can play a role in bringing China and the US together despite their strained relationship. Koh cited Singapore's track record as a neutral host for talks between countries with differences, such as the 2015 meeting between Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou, and the 2018 summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un. Koh stated that Singapore's friendly relations with all parties and conducive environment make it an ideal location for difficult meetings. He also commented on the US-China relationship, saying that while the US is determined to prevent China's rise, China cannot be contained and will eventually become an equal.