This week has been a landmark one for diplomacy in China.
As senior China correspondent Amy Hawkins reports, it began on Sunday with the opening of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, attended by more than 20 heads of state. Among them were powerful leaders from Europe and Asia, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Turkey’s Recep Erdoğan, Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev, and Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko, along with many others.
But it wasn’t just a gathering of autocrats—India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the summit, showing open warmth toward both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. As Nosheen Iqbal notes, this was not only a major display of support for China and its global standing, but also appeared to be a rebuke to the United States and its allies.
That was only the start. On Wednesday, dozens of leaders remained in China—joined by North Korea’s Kim Jong-un—to observe a massive military parade in Beijing.
So what does this demonstration of Chinese soft and hard power mean for the rest of the world, and what does it reveal about the country’s global ambitions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Podcast Strongmen Unite Putin Kim and Xi Meet in Beijing
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q1 What is this podcast about
A It explores the meeting between Vladimir Putin Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping in Beijing discussing its geopolitical implications motives and global impact
Q2 Who are the strongmen mentioned in the title
A They refer to the authoritarian leaders Vladimir Putin Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping
Q3 Why is this meeting significant
A It highlights alliances among powerful nonWestern leaders and could signal shifts in global power dynamics trade and security
Q4 Is this podcast biased or neutral
A The podcast aims for balanced analysis presenting facts and expert opinions while acknowledging different perspectives
Q5 How long is each episode
A Episodes typically range from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the depth of discussion
IntermediateLevel Questions
Q6 What topics are covered in the podcast
A Topics include diplomacy military cooperation economic ties sanctions human rights concerns and how this meeting affects international relations
Q7 Are there guest experts featured
A Yes episodes often include political analysts historians and regional specialists to provide deeper insights
Q8 How frequently are new episodes released
A New episodes are released weekly with special updates if related major events occur
Q9 Can I listen for free
A Yes the podcast is available on major platforms like Spotify Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts at no cost
Q10 Does the podcast provide historical context
A Absolutely It often references past interactions and policies to help listeners understand the current situation
AdvancedLevel Questions
Q11 How does this meeting challenge US and Western influence
A It suggests a consolidation of antiWestern alliances potentially altering trade networks security agreements and diplomatic efforts worldwide
Q12 What are the potential risks discussed
A Risks include increased militarization erosion of democratic norms economic instability and heightened global tensions
