Hong Kong, May 26 -- The leaders of China and Russia met in person yet again on 8 May, as Chairman Xi Jinping visited Russia for the eleventh time to attend a parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II. The tone of the two strongmen has become

more confrontational as they present a united front to take on the USA and attempt to

reshape the global geopolitical landscape.

Some 29 world leaders - many with a dictatorial or authoritarian bent - appeared at Russia's victory parade, where visiting Chinese troops participated alongside their Russian counterparts. However, no foreign leader was more important than the guest of honor from China.

President Vladimir Putin's wanton invasion of Ukraine has made Russia even more...