Congo-Brazzaville, Zimbabwe Leaders Attend Beijing’s Military Parade

China staged its largest-ever military parade in Beijing to mark 80 years since its victory over Japan in World War II, drawing 26 foreign leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were guests of honor, underscoring Beijing’s strategic alignment with its strongest allies. However, only two African heads of state—the presidents of Congo-Brazzaville and Zimbabwe—attended, down from five a decade ago. The event highlighted Beijing’s deepening influence in the Global South, particularly among authoritarian-leaning nations like Iran and Cuba. Analysts noted the carefully curated guest list, which included a few Western leaders but reinforced China’s strategic partnerships amid evolving geopolitical alignments. This shift underscores China’s growing soft power and the changing dynamics of international diplomacy.

SEMAFOR