Newscast The Big Putin, Xi and Kim Jong Un Meeting
Sep 2, 2025
James Landale, BBC diplomatic correspondent, shares insights alongside geopolitical analyst Sophie Gaston from King’s College about the landmark trilateral meeting of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un. They discuss the shifting dynamics of global power and the implications for Western countries. Additionally, Chris Clements from BBC Scotland highlights the alarming drug death statistics in Scotland, exploring the ongoing crisis worsened by funding cuts and the urgent need for policy reform.
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Episode notes
Putin’s Goal: Break Russia’s Isolation
- Putin seeks economic and diplomatic openings beyond the West after becoming internationally isolated.
- Russia is increasingly dependent on China to sustain its economy during the Ukraine war.
Multipolarity Could Mean Might Makes Policy
- A multipolar world may retain old institutions but with power exercised by dominant states.
- That could normalise coercive behaviour and deprioritise human rights versus development.
Three Leaders, Unequal Partnership
- The three-way meeting (Xi, Putin, Kim) will be symbolic but reflect unequal power dynamics.
- China dominates economically, Russia depends on Beijing, and North Korea seeks recognition and friends.
