North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in Beijing for Parade with Putin and Xi Jinping

Kim Jong Un Travels to Beijing to Attend Military Parade with Putin and Xi.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Beijing by special train on Tuesday to attend a major military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s state media reported. The event marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and China’s victory over Japan.

Kim’s presence is notable as it is his first major multilateral appearance in 14 years of rule and the first occasion where Kim, Xi, and Putin—three key challengers to the United States—are expected to appear together. No official trilateral meeting has been confirmed.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Kim departed Pyongyang on Monday with top officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, and was expected to arrive in Beijing after crossing the Chinese border at Dandong. This is Kim’s first visit to China since 2019 and his fifth visit overall since assuming power in 2011.

Putin arrived in Beijing on Sunday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the parade. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said a meeting between Kim and Putin “is under consideration.” Observers are also watching for a potential bilateral meeting with Xi or even a trilateral discussion.

North Korea has strengthened ties with Russia in recent years, providing troops and ammunition for the Ukraine conflict in exchange for economic and military aid. Relations with China have been strained, but Kim is likely seeking to restore ties with his largest trading partner and prepare for post-war regional shifts.

Kim’s visit comes amid calls from US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to resume dialogue with North Korea. The North has consistently refused talks while continuing to expand its nuclear and missile programs.

Before departing, Kim reportedly visited a missile research institute to review a new rocket engine using carbon-fiber composites, intended for intercontinental ballistic missiles. North Korea has tested several ICBMs capable of reaching the US mainland.