On the eve of a military spectacle, Putin and Xi reaffirmed a deepening bond, exchanging praise and signing a raft of agreements.
Kim Jong-un’s presence—his first in China since 2019—brought North Korea spotlight, while his daughter’s debut attracted global attention.
At the SCO gathering, Xi proposed a new “global governance initiative,” extending Beijing’s bid to shape international norms.
Putin discussed energy and Ukraine with Slovakia’s Robert Fico, urging shifts in European gas supplies.
Power of Siberia 2 and visa-free access for Russians tied economic practicality to political alignment, cementing the week’s strategic undertone.
