Strongmen assemble: Putin, Kim and Xi in Beijing

In this conversation, Amy Hawkins, Senior China correspondent for The Guardian, explores a pivotal week in China marked by a vast military parade and a notable summit of over 20 countries with authoritarian leaders. She discusses how this gathering showcases China's ambitions to reshape global power dynamics and solidify its leadership role. The podcast dives into the implications of strengthening ties between China, Russia, and North Korea, as well as the internal Chinese sentiment of nationalism mixed with concerns over Xi Jinping's authoritarian governance.