North Korea’s Kim Jong Un travels to Beijing to watch military parade alongside Putin and Xi Jinping

Kim Jong Un to Attend Military Parade in Beijing with Chinese and Russian Leaders

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to travel to Beijing by train on Tuesday to join Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a military parade, according to North Korea’s state media. The event is seen as a show of unity among the three leaders against the United States.

Significance of the Military Parade

The military parade in Beijing marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and commemorates China’s resistance against Japan’s wartime aggressions. This will be Kim Jong Un’s first major multilateral event appearance during his 14-year rule.

While there are no confirmed plans for a private trilateral meeting, the gathering of Kim, Xi, and Putin, all key challengers of the U.S., at the same venue is significant.

Kim’s Travel Details

Kim Jong Un departed from Pyongyang on Monday accompanied by top officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, for the celebrations in Beijing. South Korean media reported that Kim’s train is expected to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday.

This visit marks Kim’s fifth trip to China since he assumed power in 2011 and his first visit since 2019.

Potential Bilateral and Trilateral Meetings

Observers are watching closely for possible bilateral meetings between Kim and Xi, as well as a potential trilateral meeting involving Putin. North Korea’s foreign policy focus has shifted towards Russia in recent years, while relations with China have reportedly soured.

Experts believe Kim’s attendance at the multilateral event is aimed at strengthening partnerships with nations aligned with China and Russia.

North Korea’s Strategic Moves

Amid calls to restart talks with North Korea from President Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, North Korea has been expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities. Kim recently visited a missile research institute to review progress on developing new rocket engines for intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The North’s presence at the military parade comes at a time of heightened tensions with the U.S. and South Korea, as Kim continues to push for advancements in its missile technology.

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Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report.

Hyung-jin Kim, The Associated Press