Beijing’s Big Stage: Putin Cheers ‘Unprecedented’ Ties as Leaders Gather for Parade

On the eve of an expansive Victory Day parade, Putin called Xi his “dear friend,” spotlighting a Russia–China partnership he said is at an “unprecedentedly high” level. The symbolism matched the choreography of a show-of-force event.
Kim Jong-un arrived in an armored train with his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, whose presence signaled a generational showcase. A meeting between Putin and Kim was flagged as likely.
The parade commemorates 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War II, with thousands of troops and heavy armor slated to roll through Beijing. Analysts say the optics support a narrative of non-Western solidarity.
Putin conferred with Slovakia’s Robert Fico, who has questioned EU sanctions and voiced energy security concerns. Putin suggested cutting reverse-flow gas to Ukraine and reiterated that EU membership is not Russia’s red line—NATO is.
China and Russia inked Power of Siberia 2, a 50bn cubic meters-a-year pipeline for 30 years through Mongolia. Beijing also granted visa-free access to Russian travelers from 15 September and signed more than 20 cooperation documents.