North Korea’s Kim Jong Un will travel to Beijing for the China parade marking Japan’s surrender in World War Two. Chinese President Xi Jinping invited Kim personally. Moreover, the event ranks among Kim’s most significant diplomatic appearances since taking power.
The China parade will also include Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. China does not recognize the ICC, so Putin continues to visit freely. Officials expect 26 foreign leaders to attend, with Slovakia’s prime minister representing Europe.
Experts stressed the importance of Kim’s attendance. They said it is rare for him to join a Victory Day ceremony. Furthermore, this gathering allows him to meet Xi, Putin, and Vietnam’s Communist Party leader in one place. Analysts believe Kim aims to boost his global profile through this event.
Kim also seeks to deepen ties with China and Russia. Observers predict the three nations will coordinate strategies against growing cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Although sanctions target North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, support from Moscow and Beijing has weakened their effect.
China remains Pyongyang’s most important economic and political partner. Beijing joined sanctions in 2017, but it still supplies crucial lifelines to North Korea. Xi and Kim held multiple summits in 2018 and 2019. However, relations cooled after 2020 due to disputes over laborers.
Meanwhile, Pyongyang has tightened cooperation with Moscow. North Korea sends weapons and troops to aid Russia’s war in Ukraine. This collaboration marks one of the strongest military partnerships between the two countries in decades.
South Korea confirmed Kim’s participation. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik will also attend the China parade, though his office said no meeting is planned. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Kim’s attendance could open space for dialogue. He stressed that efforts must continue to pursue denuclearization.
Ultimately, Kim’s appearance highlights shifting alliances in East Asia. His presence alongside Xi and Putin signals unity against Western influence. Furthermore, the parade strengthens China’s role as the center of growing cooperation among authoritarian states.
