CNN: The Parade In Beijing Is Just A Photo Op.

• 4.09.2025, 16:26

"Dictators Union" doesn't really exist.

The joint appearance of Chinese leader Si Jinping, Putin and Chinese leader Kim Jong-un on the red carpet in Beijing was a symbolic message to the West, but analysts say the demonstration of "unwavering unity" is more of a photo op than a real strengthening of allied ties, writes CNN (translated by Charter97.org).

A former senior U.S. intelligence official Beth Sanner said the meeting looked like a signal to the U.S. and its Asian allies but did not relieve tensions, primarily between China and North Korea. "I doubt it will develop into full-fledged trilateral cooperation," she emphasized.

The leaders appeared together on the eve of a massive military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. The event drew thousands of military personnel, tens of thousands of spectators and delegations from 26 countries. The parade was a showcase of China's modernized armed forces, including new intercontinental missiles, hypersonic systems and drones.

Even so, experts warn that China's influence, though growing, is still limited. "Yes, Beijing's role in the anti-Western coalition has increased, but there is still no Japan, Europe or key world powers there," said former Pentagon official Elie Ratner.

Although Moscow is actively developing ties with Pyongyang, Si Jinping remains cautious about recognizing North Korea as a nuclear state, according to experts. At the same time, China is strengthening economic ties with Russia, including by agreeing on a new gas pipeline.

The parade and the "trilateral meeting" thus showed China's ambitions to shape an alternative world order, but also revealed the limits of this alliance, which is still more symbolic than effective.