Sometimes, a photo says more than a press conference ever could.
That’s exactly what happened recently when Chinese President Xi Jinping stood for a photograph with Russian President Vladimir Putin on one side and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the other. At a glance, it looked like a typical diplomatic photo, three leaders, arms by their sides, posing for the cameras. But in global politics, where every move is calculated, even a simple photo can send a powerful message.
And this one did.
More Than Just a Picture
This wasn’t just about showing good relations. It was about sending a signal, loud and clear, to the rest of the world, especially the West. China, Russia, and North Korea want everyone to know: we’re standing together.
The timing couldn’t be more telling. The West is united behind Ukraine in its war against Russia. China is under pressure over Taiwan. North Korea continues to ignore international warnings with its missile tests. All three countries have tense or openly hostile relationships with the U.S. and its allies.
So when the leaders of these countries appear side by side, it’s not just optics. It’s strategy.
China in the Middle, Literally and Figuratively
Xi Jinping stood at the center of the photo, and that’s no accident. It reflects how China sees itself: not just as a partner to Russia and North Korea, but as the leader among them.
Russia may have the military legacy and global experience. North Korea might be unpredictable and aggressive. But it’s China that holds the economic power, the global reach, and the long-term strategy. Putting Xi in the middle shows the world that China is the anchor of this unofficial trio.
What’s in It for Russia and North Korea?
For Putin, who’s facing international sanctions and growing isolation, standing next to Xi sends a message to the West: Russia still has powerful friends. His partnership with China gives him political support and economic breathing room at a time when much of the world has turned its back.
Kim Jong UN, meanwhile, gets something even more valuable: relevance. For a leader who thrives on being noticed, standing next to two of the most powerful figures in the world is exactly the kind of attention he wants and needs.
It’s also a reminder that North Korea, despite being isolated and heavily sanctioned, still plays a role in global power dynamics. And China, despite frustrations with Pyongyang’s behavior, sees value in keeping North Korea close.
A Not-So-Subtle Message to the West
The photo was clearly meant to be seen, and remembered. While the U.S. and its allies have been strengthening alliances like NATO, the G7, and the Quad, this image sends a simple but bold counter-message: we have our own partnerships. We’re not alone.
This doesn’t mean China, Russia, and North Korea have formed a formal alliance. They have different goals, and their relationships aren’t always smooth. But for now, they have a common interest: pushing back against the influence of the West.
In international politics, photos are rarely just photos. They’re signals. Symbols. Statements.
This one, showing Xi, Putin, and Kim standing shoulder to shoulder, tells a story that goes beyond any one meeting or moment. It shows a world that’s shifting, where old alliances are being tested and new ones are quietly forming.
One picture. Three leaders. And more messages than most speeches ever deliver.
Note: Following article has been written by Pakistani Journalist Zaheer Alam
