Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has been seen shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping prior to the nation’s grand military parade.
The parade, featuring notable attendees such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II.
Andrews was accompanied by former NSW premier and foreign minister Bob Carr.
Neil Thomas, an analyst with the Asia Society Policy Institute, mentioned on Today this morning that the parade has attracted a “rogues’ gallery” of authoritarian leaders, including Kim Jong-Un and Putin.
He noted that the presence of Carr and Daniels would likely enhance China’s efforts to highlight the event, supporting its narrative that China played a pivotal role in Japan’s defeat during the war.
“They’re (Carr and Daniels) not representing Australia, although, of course, they did hold senior roles in state governments before.
“So it’s certainly the case that China is looking to use their participation to bolster the international reach and legitimacy of this parade.”
In addition to the North Korean and Russian dictators, the leaders of hardline regimes such as Iran and Belarus will also be watching the parade.
“Given that the parade’s attendees include controversial figures like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un, it certainly leaves an unpleasant impression,” Thomas commented.
The federal government confirmed senior Australian officials will not be attending.
