Beijing is preparing a huge display of power and unity as it gathers its allies and partners around the world for a major military and military display designed to highlight the opposition towards Western influence. This move is in the midst of increasing geopolitical tensions and a growing pressure on China’s close allies.

A Symbolic Gathering

The celebration, which will be centered around the largest military parade that will take place within the Chinese capital, will include the President Xi Jinping alongside high-profile leaders including Russian president Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The presence of these leaders is perceived as a clear sign of strategic alignment between three of the most prominent Washington enemies.

“This is about more than military pageantry,” said an analyst in the region’s security. “It’s Beijing signaling to the world that it can mobilize powerful allies and present a united front against U.S.-led alliances.”

Strengthening Strategic Ties

• China and Russia The relationship has gotten more enshrined in recent times as Beijing offering Moscow with a lifeline to the economy amid Western sanctions regarding the Ukraine conflict.
• China and North Korea: Xi continues to provide Pyongyang with diplomatic protection and strengthens long-standing ties at an era when Kim is seeking both legitimacy as well as economic relief.
• Russia and North Korea: The two countries have recently stepped up their military cooperation, causing concerns in Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Global Implications

The highly choreographed display of unity is likely to be met with harsh critique from the West. U.S. and European officials have repeatedly warned China against forming a close alliance with Moscow and Pyongyang especially in relation to technological or military cooperation.

As a result regional players like Japan, South Korea as well as Taiwan are likely to increase their defense capabilities and interpret the event as a sign of increasing authoritarian cooperation within the Asia-Pacific.

A Message of Defiance

For Beijing this event serves as propaganda for the country that projects strength at home while presenting China as a leader in a growing alternative order in the world. It is one of the most obvious attempts to date made by China and its allies to show a multipolar alternative against Western power in international political affairs.

The extent to which this unity is translated into a concrete strategic partnership or remains mostly symbolic, it will be closely watched by Western capitals.