HONG KONG (AP) — As Chinese troops prepared to showcase their military strength during alavish paradein central Beijing, President Xi Jinping was flanked byRussian President Vladimir PutinandNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The prominent position of the three leaders at thesymbolic eventto mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II represents a show of unity during ongoing pressure from the United States. Putin and Kim were amongsome two dozen top foreign leaderswho attended a high-profile event that signals China's growing diplomatic influence in the Global South and other emerging economies. While other leaders walked behind the trio towards the viewing platform overlooking Tiananmen Square, Xi and Kim smiled as they chatted through an interpreter. Xi also talked to Putin while they walked.