With the leaders of Russia and India visiting, China’s president will show how he can use statecraft, military might and history to push for global influence.

With the leaders of Russia and India visiting, China’s president will show how he can use statecraft, military might and history to push for global influence.

Their display of friendship in China was aimed at projecting an alternative to U.S. global leadership, even as serious differences among them remain.

The show of firepower in Beijing, to be attended by President Vladimir V. Putin, is designed to show that China is strong enough to resist pressure from foreign powers.