Politics
Xi Jinping asserts dominance with high-profile diplomatic push
When Chinese President Xi Jinping held his first parade in 2015 to mark the anniversary of World War Two’s end, he placed his two predecessors beside him, symbolising respect and continuity of leadership.
Ten years on and having eliminated domestic opposition as he serves an unprecedented third term as president, Xi was flanked on Wednesday at the 80th anniversary parade by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
Chinese Communist Party leaders were interspersed among overseas guests.
The parade followed Xi’s high-profile summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a weekend meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, and the Chinese leader’s rare visit to Tibet last month.
This display of diplomatic clout, stamina and geopolitical ambition has helped quell concerns among some China observers about the 72-year-old president’s vitality, linked to sporadic absences and — so far unknown — succession plans.
It has also helped divert domestic attention from slowing growth, experts say.
Longevity was on the leaders’ minds as they walked up to the rostrum at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square Xi and Putin were caught in a hot mic moment discussing organ transplants and the possibility that humans could live to 150 years old.
“This week of triumphant diplomacy for Xi shows that he remains totally in charge of the elite politics of the Communist Party,” said Neil Thomas of the Asia Society, a New York-based think tank.
Unable to get the same legitimacy from economic growth as his predecessors, Xi has turned toward nationalism “to try and make up for it”, Thomas said.
“It’s a way to divert attention from economic challenges and to make his citizens proud to be Chinese, even if it’s harder to feel that from the day-to-day experiences of unemployment, falling house prices and stagnant wages.”
Xi underscored his elder statesman image with fashion choices: a grey suit in the style of those worn by Mao Zedong, matching his greying hair, in contrast to the black suits of his counterparts and his own black attire from a decade earlier.
His number two, Premier Li Qiang, whose role has diminished at home, was charged with relatively minor meetings with leaders of Malaysia and Uzbekistan.
High-profile engagements with Kim, Modi, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and several others fell to Cai Qi, who heads the party’s Central Secretariat, responsible for its sprawling administration.
In response to a Reuters request for comment, China’s foreign ministry referred to news conference transcripts related to the recent diplomatic events, showcasing China’s partnerships with developing nations and positioning Beijing as committed to peaceful development and international cooperation.
Many countries that sent their leaders to China in the past week have been hit by US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs this year, including India, which remains a significant buyer of Russian oil, hit by sanctions over Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
In one of the most memorable moments in the flurry of diplomatic encounters, Modi and Putin walked over for a chat with Xi while holding hands, underscoring personal tensions between Trump and Modi, as well as Washington’s failure to draw historically non-aligned India in to counter Russia and China.
“Ultimately, one of the biggest driving factors of the SCO show of solidarity has been US policy,” said Even Pay, a director at strategic advisory firm Trivium China.
Trump, who called the military parade “beautiful” and “very, very impressive”, made a barbed post on social media saying China was working with Putin and Kim to “conspire against The United States of America”.
The Kremlin responded that they were not conspiring and suggested Trump’s remarks were ironic.
Hit by Trump, welcomed by Xi
Analysts say Xi’s whirlwind of activity underscores China’s ambition in presenting itself as a reliable partner to developing nations on the global stage, offering advantages like investment opportunities and even a new development bank a major step forward for the SCO, which has expanded markedly over past decades to also include Pakistan, India and Iran.
“China’s message as a more reliable, stable alternative to the United States is resonating with large swathes of the world, particularly across Asia, which sees the United States as an increasingly belligerent force in world affairs,” said Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of the China-Global South Project, a research agency.
“A lot of developing countries and middle-power states may still be a bit ambivalent about what China’s proposing with its new governance and development initiatives, but at least what China is talking about is forward-looking, which is crucial for economies with large populations of young people looking for better employment opportunities,” Olander said.
Xi faces considerable challenges in managing this large and often fractious coalition as he eyes a potential fourth term of office in 2027 to further cement his legacy as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao.
Entrenched Chinese foreign policy positions, including territorial disputes and industrial subsidies that have flooded foreign markets with cheap exports, will likely remain friction points, experts say, while India’s deep distrust of China will not dissipate because of one brief meeting.
“It’s not necessarily a big-picture shift towards a more China-led international order,” said the Asia Society’s Thomas.
US President Donald Trump on Friday said India and Russia seem to have been “lost” to China after their leaders met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, highlighting his split from New Delhi and Moscow as Beijing pushes a new world order.
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Trump wrote in a social media post accompanying a photo of the three other world leaders together at Xi’s summit in China.
Asked about Trump’s post, the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters in New Delhi that he had no comment.
Representatives for Beijing and Moscow could not be immediately reached for comment on Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform.
Xi hosted more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Putin and Modi were see holding hands at the summit as they walked toward Xi before all three men stood side by side.
Modi’s warming ties with China comes as Trump has chilled US-India ties amid trade tensions and other disputes. Trump earlier this week said he was “very disappointed” in Putin but not worried about growing Russia-China ties.
Six Flags Qiddiya City is set to be Saudi Arabia’s first Six Flags amusement park and a hallmark attraction within the broader Qiddiya City entertainment mega-development outside Riyadh. Qiddiya City is an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, a bold initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and establishing the kingdom as a global leader in tourism.
Developed by the Qiddiya Investment Company in partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the park is scheduled to open in late 2025. This park is designed to become a centre for entertainment, sports, and the arts. Six Flags runs theme parks across the US and in Canada, Mexico, and China. The original park was founded in Texas in 1961 and themed on the six flags that once flew over the state.
The ambitious project represents a multibillion-dollar investment to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and attract millions of visitors annually. As a testament to Qiddiya’s commitments, both parks are set to create thousands of jobs, nurturing local talent and enhancing the attractions industry within the kingdom.
Key features at a glance
Record-breaking rides
The park will feature 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands, including five world-record rides:
Falcon’s flight: The star of the show — poised to be the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. Height: approximately 195 metres (639 feet)
- Top speed: up to 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Track length: around 4.2km
Other record-setting attractions include:
Sirocco Tower: Tallest free-standing shot tower ride
- Gyrospin: Tallest pendulum ride
- Spitfire: Tallest triple-launch coaster (in “Valley of Fortune”)
- Iron Rattler: Tallest tilted coaster
Six immersive themed lands
The Citadel: The central hub beneath a Bedouin-style canopy; houses eateries, shops, and entertainment zones
City of Thrills: High-adrenaline attractions including Falcon’s Flight and Sirocco Tower
Discovery Springs: A lush, water-themed oasis with waterfalls and rainforest-style relief
Valley of Fortune: Adventure amid ancient Arabian ruins, featuring Spitfire, Skywatch, Treasure Trail, and Canyon Charters
Grand Exposition: A celebrated showcase inspired by World Expos, featuring Gyrospin, the wooden-steel hybrid coaster Colossus, Arabian Carousel, Expo Flyer, and bumper rides.
Steam Town and Twilight Gardens are also featured, though details are less public; Steam Town likely focuses on mechanical-themed thrills while Twilight Gardens offers family-friendly wonder.
Family and amenities
Offers a mix of thrilling rides and 18 family-friendly attractions.
Amenities include 27 international F&B outlets, 24 retail shops, a baby care center, and day-long entertainment shows.
Sustainability and economic impact
Over 80% of operational waste will be recycled.
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the park aims to drive tourism, diversify the economy, and create thousands of jobs.
Integrated with Aquarabia Water Park
Aquarabia Water Theme Park will make a splash with 22 state-of-the-art water rides and attractions, including the world’s tallest water coaster and the world’s tallest double-loop water slide. The water park will welcome guests to eight themed areas, including Surftopia, featuring Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool. Together, these attractions will set a new standard for family-friendly entertainment in the region.
Both parks are designed as a walkable, interconnected entertainment district.
Operator partnership: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the official operator, bringing its global expertise to manage both the theme park and Aquarabia. Brian Machamer leads the operations of both parks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any Western forces sent to Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate” target for Moscow’s military. His remarks came a day after Kyiv’s allies confirmed plans to deploy troops if a peace deal is reached.
On Thursday, two dozen countries, led by France and Britain, pledged to join a “reassurance” force across land, sea, and air to monitor any agreement.
Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin said, “If some troops appear there, especially during active fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets.”
He added that the deployment of such forces would not support long-term peace and cited Ukraine’s growing military ties with the West as one of the “root causes” of the conflict.
Ukraine’s allies have not provided detailed information about the plan, including troop numbers or each country’s specific role.
Kyiv maintains that security guarantees backed by Western forces are essential to prevent Russia from restarting its offensive.
Since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and much of eastern and southern Ukraine has been devastated.
Putin said if a deal could be struck, there was no need for the troops.
“If decisions are reached that will lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply don’t see the point in their presence on the territory of Ukraine.
“Because if deals are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will comply with them in full,” he said.
Ukraine and the West point to a long list of times Russia has broken agreements, including between 2014 and 2022, when Moscow-backed separatists were fighting Kyiv’s army in the east of the country.
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