Chinese leader Xi Jinping met North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in Beijing after a significant military parade featuring both Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, symbolizing a united front against Western influence. This gathering underscores the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia, particularly following their recent defense pact, which has raised security concerns in East Asia, especially for the US and its allies. Analysts suggest China views this partnership with unease, as it could destabilize the region and embolden North Korea’s military ambitions, while also highlighting Beijing’s strategic need to maintain influence over Pyongyang amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.