A photo that is circulating widely on social media and beyond has captured the world's attention: the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea united in a symbolic show of power, in front of the eyes of the world.
The 70-minute military parade in Beijing, accompanied by the presence of key figures from China's allies, represents much more than a ceremonial event. It is seen as a clear and deliberate signal to the West - especially the United States.
According to a BBC analysis, the message conveyed by Beijing is straightforward:
"If America seeks to restore its greatness and put itself first, China is ready to offer an alternative world order, with itself at the helm."
This week, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, there was a noticeable rapprochement between Beijing, Moscow and New Delhi. Vladimir Putin hailed Xi Jinping as a “true friend,” while the Chinese leader called his Russian counterpart an “old friend,” also emphasizing efforts to build a powerful bloc against Western influence.
Analysts emphasize that, although these countries are not in complete harmony and remain with significant differences between them, especially between China and India, the trend is clear: a new geopolitical axis is being built that challenges American dominance.
BBC columnist James Landale writes that China's demonstration of political and military power has not come as a surprise to Western leaders.
Xi Jinping has for years pursued a vision to reshape the global architecture, replacing the institutions and principles that emerged after World War II.
But, he says, two elements are of concern to the West. First, the pace at which China is filling the spaces left empty by the US on the international stage, imposing a model where stability and economic development take precedence over human rights and democratic principles. Second, there is India's increasingly visible rapprochement with China, driven in part by trade tensions with the US, which could alter the strategic balance in Asia.
However, as Landale points out, internal divisions, especially between China and India over territorial issues, remain a factor hindering full unity. India was absent from Wednesday's parade, showing that it is not fully aligned with Beijing.
Ultimately, America's efforts to focus on itself, under the motto "America First," have offered China a golden window to increase its global influence.
Xi Jinping, with political savvy and careful propaganda, appears to be seizing this historic moment to reconfigure the world order with Beijing at its center.