In memorable scenes reminiscent of a family reunion, the Chinese leader embraced and riffed with some of the world’s preeminent strongmen — including an impromptu conversation with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un about organ transplants and immortality.

HONG KONG/BEIJING (Reuters) -When Chinese leader Xi Jinping organised his first parade to mark the anniversary of the end of World War Two, in 2015, he placed his two predecessors by his side in a show of respect and continuity of leadership.

US President Donald Trump called China’s largest military parade impressive but staged to catch his attention. He criticised Xi Jinping for not mentioning the US role in World War 2, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The leaders of Russia, China and India met at a key regional summit in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin on Monday as they navigate tensions with the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping gave him a personal assurance that he wouldn't invade Taiwan while Trump was in the White House. Trump made the comment during an interview with Fox News ' Special Report ahead of his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Conversation between President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia at a military parade in Beijing leaked to the public

During his first trip to China in seven years, PM Modi's friendly interactions with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit sparked humorous reactions online, highlighting a shift in geopolitical alliances amid increasing tensions with the US.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has moved to strengthen ties with powerful nations outside the US umbrella once again, calling on fellow leaders at a regional summit to harness their “mega-scale market” and create a new global order.