Fault Lines Episode 495: Axis on Parade: Kim, Xi, and Putin in Beijing
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Aug 29, 2025 The podcast discusses a rare gathering of Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing, emphasizing their growing alliance amid global tensions. The speakers analyze the conflicting interests at play, from North Korea's nuclear aims to Russia's actions in Ukraine. They delve into the complexities behind this apparent unity and how U.S. diplomacy may shift these dynamics. The implications of U.S. policy decisions on these relationships are also explored, raising questions about potential fractures among these powers.
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Episode notes
Beijing Asserts Leadership
- Xi staged the joint appearance to signal Beijing as the center of global problem-solving against Washington.
- The parade frames China as asserting leadership in great-power competition and multipolar order.
Kim's Diplomatic Rebalancing
- Kim's visit is both a show of military cooperation with Russia and a rebalancing toward China after years without a trip.
- His attendance signals North Korea's diplomatic recalibration and leverage-seeking amid regional tensions.
North Korean Forces In Ukraine
- Lester Munson notes North Korean troops have been in Ukraine aiding Russia, illustrating deeper military ties.
- He frames the Beijing appearance as a public Band-Aid over real schisms and anxieties among the trio.
