Parade of Power: Beijing Hosts Putin, Welcomes Kim, and Signs a Gas Megadeal

Beijing became the focal point of global geopolitics as Putin praised China ties and Xi introduced a fresh governance initiative at the SCO summit. The backing soundtrack: a military parade set to fill the streets.
Kim Jong-un’s arrival with Kim Ju-ae added drama and signaled growing alignment among Moscow, Beijing, and Pyongyang. Russian aides hinted at discussions between Putin and Kim.
The guest list included leaders from several non-Western states, underscoring the emergence of what some analysts call an “axis of upheaval.”
Putin held a rare meeting with EU member Slovakia’s Robert Fico, encouraging changes to European gas flows and revisiting debates on NATO versus EU expansion for Ukraine.
The China–Russia energy architecture expanded with Power of Siberia 2, funneling 50bn cubic meters annually for 30 years through Mongolia. Beijing also unveiled visa-free access for Russians starting 15 September and inked more than 20 agreements with Moscow.