Why did Xi Jinping meet Putin and Kim together in Beijing?

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Xi Jinping Convened Russian and North Korean Counterparts in Beijing to Showcase Solidarity and Counter Western Influence

President Xi Jinping convened a historic trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing to demonstrate solidarity with nations facing Western sanctions. This gathering, the first of its kind for the three leaders, occurred amidst a backdrop of strained international relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, signalling a unified front against what Xi termed "hegemonism and power politics." The summit also served to underscore deepening defence ties and strategic cooperation between the three nations, particularly following recent pacts and alliances.
Display of Solidarity Against Western Sanctions and "Power Politics"

The meeting served as a deliberate show of unity among countries that have been increasingly isolated by the West. Xi Jinping explicitly addressed this sentiment, stating at a gathering of non-Western leaders that "We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics." This statement, delivered in the context of hosting Putin and Kim, signals a coordinated effort to challenge the existing international order and Western dominance in global affairs. The presence of Iran's leader at China's military parade further reinforces this narrative of an emerging bloc of authoritarian regimes.
Deepening Defence and Military Cooperation

Analysts are closely observing the potential for enhanced defence relations between Russia, China, and North Korea, especially in light of recent agreements. A pact signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024, along with an existing alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang, has fuelled speculation about closer military ties. The possibility of trilateral military exercises between the three nations is considered "nearly inevitable" by some observers, a development that could significantly alter the military calculus in the Asia-Pacific region and potentially serve as a strategic counterpoint to Western alliances.
Strategic Alignment Amidst Global Tensions and Ukraine Conflict

The convergence of these leaders in Beijing is also shaped by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has drawn Russia and North Korea closer. North Korea has reportedly supplied substantial troop support to Russia's war effort, with estimates suggesting over 15,000 troops have been deployed. This mutual reliance, coupled with Putin's earlier statements at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit calling for a "fair balance in the security sphere," indicates a shared strategic outlook focused on restoring a multipolar world order and countering perceived Western expansionism.
Signaling Support for North Korea as a Nuclear Power

Kim Jong Un's participation, including a visit to a missile laboratory prior to his arrival in China, is interpreted as a strategic move to highlight North Korea's status as a nuclear power. By standing alongside Xi and Putin, the summit is intended to convey support for Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities. This demonstration is particularly significant for Kim, as this multilateral event represents the largest diplomatic engagement he has ever attended, underscoring the elevated international profile the meeting affords him and his nation.

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Why did Xi Jinping meet Putin and Kim together in Beijing?

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