Dear Focus Reader,

Beijing held a massive military parade this week to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, transforming Tiananmen Square into a showcase of advanced weapons and military strength. Fighter jets, tanks, hypersonic missiles, and AI-powered drones rolled out in a meticulously choreographed display, including some that surprised Western analysts and were interpreted as strategic signals to Washington and its allies.

The parade drew global attention not only for its scale, but for its guests. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, indicating unity among countries often at odds with the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump called the parade "very, very impressive," but accused Xi, Putin, and Kim of "conspiring against the United States." He also criticized the omission of America's role in China's World War II victory, stressing that U.S. sacrifices should have been acknowledged.

The timing followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin earlier in the week, where Xi, Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines. Modi's participation, the first time he has visited China in more than seven years, was viewed as a sign of improving Sino-Indian ties, despite unresolved border disputes.

After their meeting, both sides emphasized that India-China relations should not be seen through a third country lens, and framed themselves as partners rather than rivals. Ananth Krishnan, journalist and former head of The Hindu newspaper's China bureau, said in a new China-US Focus interview that he doesn't think the relationship is at a true "partnership" stage yet, but he sees a willingness on both sides to explore new avenues of cooperation. He also noted that, despite speculation, the meeting was not merely a response to recent U.S. tariffs on India, but rather a calibrated engagement, with signs emerging as early as October 2024.

Learn more on international relations by catching up on our latest Focus content, including topics on relations between India, China, and the U.S.; peace in the Korean peninsula; and Washington's role in global trade.