In convening an international meeting of leaders of China’s closest allies and hosting an unprecedented military display in China’s Tiananmen Square, the Chinese President has thrown down the gauntlet to the United States in China’s quest for global hegemony. Apart from hosting Vladimir Putin from Russia, Kim Jong Un from the reclusive North Korea and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, leaders of over 20 other countries attended, including India, Indonesia and Pakistan. In these highly orchestrated events, designed as much for international consumption as for domestic promotion, it was significant that China’s President Xi Jinping was seen flanked by Putin and Kim Jong Un. Sorry, this content is for subscribers only. Please log in or subscribe for $12/month.