Beijing — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will attend a high-profile military parade in Beijing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese state media confirmed on Thursday. The event, scheduled to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia, will showcase China’s military strength and highlight deepening ties between Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang.
Kim’s participation marks a rare overseas trip for the reclusive leader and underscores North Korea’s growing alignment with both China and Russia amid escalating tensions with the United States and its allies. Analysts say the appearance of the three leaders together is intended to project a united front against Western pressure, particularly over Ukraine, Taiwan, and North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
As Beijing seeks to emphasize its growing global power, China’s newest military equipment, including advanced missiles and drones, will be on display at the parade. International observers are expected to keep a close eye out for signs of growing military cooperation between the three countries.
China’s closer relationship with both Pyongyang and Moscow, in addition to North Korea’s alleged arms transfers to Russia for use in Ukraine, have already alarmed Washington and its allies. The fact that Kim and Putin will be in Beijing together is probably going to make those worries worse, which is a sign that the three countries’ strategic ties are getting stronger.
