Chinese President Xi Jinping has orchestrated what critics are calling a 'global despot gathering' in Beijing, hosting some of the world's most controversial leaders while former US President Donald Trump attended the lavish event.
Authoritarian Alliance Strengthens
The three-day Belt and Road Forum transformed China's capital into a fortress of authoritarian power, with Vladimir Putin of Russia and Kim Jong-un of North Korea among the prominent attendees. The gathering has sparked international concern about strengthening alliances between regimes accused of human rights abuses and anti-democratic practices.
Trump's Controversial Attendance
Donald Trump's presence at the event raised eyebrows among foreign policy experts, who noted the unusual sight of a former American president rubbing shoulders with leaders routinely criticised by Western democracies. Trump's participation comes amid ongoing legal challenges and his campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
Security Unprecedented in Scale
Beijing implemented extraordinary security measures for the summit, with central districts placed under virtual lockdown. The massive security operation highlighted the importance China places on the event and the sensitivity surrounding the attending leaders.
Global Diplomacy Under Scrutiny
The summit has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and democratic governments, who accuse China of normalising relationships with authoritarian regimes. The event comes amid growing tensions between China and Western nations over trade, security, and human rights issues.
Analysts suggest the gathering represents a significant shift in global power dynamics, with China positioning itself as the leader of an alternative political bloc challenging Western democratic values and institutions.
