Kim Jong-un departed Pyongyang aboard his armored train for a major diplomatic visit to Beijing. He deliberately chose the symbolic and secure train over a short flight, emphasizing his priorities of protection and tradition. The distinctive green train with its yellow stripe crossed the Yalu River bridge into China before continuing toward Beijing. This slow but secure journey underscored his preference for caution during high-profile international trips.
The Beijing trip brings Kim together with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a large military parade. The gathering also features leaders from sanctioned states such as Iran and Myanmar. The absence of Western leaders highlights the divide between global blocs and demonstrates shifting geopolitical alignments. Kim’s appearance alongside Xi and Putin reflects an image of strategic cooperation among powers opposed to Western influence.
The armored train, called Taeyang-ho or “sun,” symbolizes a deep connection to Kim’s grandfather and North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung. Despite moving at only 50 kilometers per hour due to its weight, Kim continues to rely on it for security. The train reportedly contains bulletproof glass, reinforced steel, radar-deflecting technology, and even onboard mortars. These features justify why South Korean officials consistently expect Kim to use rail travel for sensitive missions.
Kim has frequently used his armored train for global diplomacy since taking power. He traveled to Beijing for earlier meetings, and he endured a 60-hour ride to Hanoi for a summit with a U.S. president. The train also transported him to Vladivostok for talks with Putin, as well as to Russia’s far eastern space facility. Each journey gained international attention because the train itself has become a symbol of his leadership style.
Nevertheless, Kim occasionally turns to air travel when necessary. He has flown aboard Chammae-1, a Soviet-era jet, for short trips to Chinese cities, though its safety record remains questionable. For the high-profile Singapore summit, he borrowed a Chinese aircraft, showing flexibility when symbolism could not outweigh practicality. These instances highlight how Kim balances security needs with diplomatic requirements.
By traveling once again on his armored train, Kim projects resilience and caution. Standing at Tiananmen Square alongside Xi and Putin during a massive military parade strengthens his international image. The journey underscores his desire to showcase loyalty to allies while challenging Western exclusion. His choice of travel thus reflects both symbolism and strategy in global affairs.
The armored train remains central to Kim’s diplomatic approach. It allows him to blend history, security, and political messaging in one highly visible act. This method not only reassures his domestic audience but also signals his determination to remain a serious player in global politics. Through the Taeyang-ho, Kim shapes his image as both cautious and commanding on the world stage.
