EU's Kallas says Xi, Putin, Kim and Iran challenge rules-based order

European Commission presents EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico trade agreements for approval, in Brussels

The European Commission's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic (not pictured) present EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico trade agreements, for formal approval by the European Parliament and European Union members following adoption by the Commission, in Brussels, Belgium, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Source: REUTERS

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday the leaders of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea - who appeared together at a military parade in Beijing - represented an "autocratic alliance" challenging the rules-based international order.

"While Western leaders gather in diplomacy, an autocratic alliance is seeking a fast track to a new world order," Kallas, the European Union's high representative for foreign and security policy, told reporters in Brussels.

"Looking at President Xi standing alongside the leaders of Russia, Iran, (and) North Korea in Beijing today, these aren't just anti-Western optics: This is a direct challenge to the international system built on rules."

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters