The Kim Beijing visit is set to mark a turning point in Pyongyang’s foreign policy. Kim Jong-un will attend a military parade in Beijing, where he will appear alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first multilateral diplomatic engagement since taking power. Moreover, the event highlights North Korea’s deepening ties with China and Russia.
The parade commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Reports suggest Kim will sit between Xi and Putin during the ceremony. This arrangement signals solidarity among the three nations. Furthermore, the Kim Beijing visit demonstrates North Korea’s desire to showcase unity against Western powers. Analysts believe the move emphasizes a growing shift in regional dynamics.
Kim’s participation also carries historical weight. His grandfather, Kim Il-sung, attended a similar Beijing parade in 1959. However, this gathering reflects a different geopolitical environment. With Moscow engaged in the war in Ukraine and Beijing facing its own tensions with Washington, the Kim-Beijing visit reinforces their collective opposition to U.S. influence. Consequently, the symbolism is as important as the event itself.
The timing stands out because U.S. and South Korean leaders recently expressed interest in renewed diplomacy. Yet Kim’s actions point in another direction. Instead of preparing for talks with Washington or Seoul, he focuses on strengthening ties with Moscow and Beijing. Therefore, expectations for immediate U.S.-North Korea dialogue remain low.
North Korea’s growing cooperation with Russia adds context to this decision. Pyongyang has supplied troops and weapons to support Moscow’s war. In addition, reports confirm Kim signed troop deployment orders last year. This cooperation highlights the strategic depth of the Russia-North Korea partnership. The Beijing stage now provides Kim with a platform to showcase that alignment.
At the same time, Kim seeks to restore warmth with China. Pyongyang leaned heavily on Russia during the conflict but recognizes China’s long-term importance. Analysts argue that this trip aims to rebalance Pyongyang’s diplomacy. By attending the parade, Kim demonstrates readiness to strengthen both relationships. This dual strategy broadens his options ahead of any future talks with the U.S.
Experts agree that Kim wants to use this moment for strategic positioning. He aims to deepen North Korea-China and North Korea-Russia cooperation while presenting a united front. This approach increases leverage against Western sanctions and isolates Seoul and Washington. Ultimately, the Kim Beijing visit symbolizes North Korea’s evolving role in the new geopolitical order.
