China, Russia, and N. Korea close ranks — What’s next for S.Korea’s diplomacy?

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

The images of the North Korean, Chinese and Russian leaders standing together in Beijing have now faded — but the diplomatic ripple effects are just beginning to take shape.

Since the parade, talk of a deepening trilateral alignment has triggered swift reactions from Washington, Seoul and beyond.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed surprise at not being mentioned in Xi Jinping's speech, while analysts are parsing what Pyongyang and Moscow gained from the show of unity.

Now, South Korea is under growing pressure to figure out where it stands — and how to respond.

To help us break down the diplomatic fallout, and what it means for South Korea's next moves, we're joined by Bruce Bennett — adjunct defense researcher at the RAND Corporation and a leading expert on security dynamics in Northeast Asia. Welcome.

So we saw the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia standing together for the first time since the Cold War at China's Victory Day parade.

Through this, what message were they trying to send to the U.S., South Korea and the broader international community?

Off the back of that, do you think this high-profile gathering marks the beginning of a real strategic partnership among North Korea, China and Russia — or are their interests still too far apart for serious cooperation?

And just a couple hours ago, we're receiving news that Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong-un are holding an in-depth summit in 6 years.

What should we read into the timing and purpose of this meeting? What could they discuss?

Zooming in on Pyongyang, after years of sticking to one-on-one diplomacy, what do you believe prompted Kim Jong-un to appear on a multilateral stage like this?

Digging into Kim's intent, was his Beijing visit mainly about securing economic aid, rebalancing away from Russia, or boosting leverage for a possible return to talks with the U.S.?

Now, from South Korea's view, as North Korea, China, and Russia draw closer — and the U.S.–Japan axis firms up — what real diplomatic room does President Lee Jae-myung have to maneuver?

Following the parade, President Trump said he was "very surprised" Xi Jinping didn't mention the U.S. in his Victory Day speech.

Calling Xi "a friend," he also praised the event itself as "very impressive."

Given all this, how should we interpret President Trump's response?

Looking ahead to APEC, Xi Jinping is reportedly planning to attend the summit in Gyeongju — his first visit to South Korea in over a decade.

In light of recent developments, could this become an actual turning point in Seoul–Beijing ties?

Zooming out to global diplomacy, with the UN General Assembly just ahead, what kind of joint message could President Lee and President Trump send to revive momentum on North Korea — especially after Kim's visit to Beijing?