Kim Jong Un to Attend China’s Victory Day Parade Alongside Putin

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to make his first visit to China in six years, attending the country’s Victory Day military parade on September 3. The event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, will also see Russian President Vladimir Putin in attendance. This significant diplomatic gathering is poised to showcase deepening ties among China, North Korea, and Russia, while challenging Western geopolitical alliances.

Kim Jong Un’s Rare International Appearance

Kim Jong Un’s upcoming visit marks a notable departure from his typically insular diplomatic approach. Since assuming power in 2012, Kim has rarely traveled internationally, with his last visit to China occurring in early 2019. According to Reuters, Kim’s attendance at the parade comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the enduring, albeit complex, alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang.

The military parade, to be held in Beijing’s iconic Tiananmen Square, will feature over 20 foreign leaders, including Vietnam’s Communist Party chief and Iran’s president. However, no major Western leaders are expected to attend, reflecting the growing divide between East and West. Analysts believe this event offers Kim a rare opportunity to elevate his international stature and foster closer ties with both China and Russia.

Strengthening Alliances Amid Global Isolation

The parade’s timing is particularly significant, as North Korea, Russia, and China seek to counterbalance U.S.-led alliances in Asia. As noted by DW, North Korea remains under heavy international sanctions for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which have severely impacted its economy. However, these sanctions have been weakened by growing economic and military support from Beijing and Moscow.

China, North Korea’s most crucial trade partner, has long provided an economic lifeline to the isolated regime. Despite tensions in recent years—such as Beijing’s push for the repatriation of North Korean laborers—Kim’s visit signals a renewed effort to consolidate ties. Meanwhile, North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia has intensified, with Pyongyang reportedly supplying arms and troops to support Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Putin’s Strategic Opportunity in Beijing

For Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Beijing parade represents a chance to bolster his international standing amid growing isolation. Facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Putin has limited options for diplomatic engagement. However, as Newsweek points out, China’s non-membership in the ICC allows Putin to attend the event without fear of arrest.

The Kremlin has described Putin’s visit as “unprecedented,” underscoring the importance of the occasion. Experts believe the gathering of leaders from China, North Korea, and Russia could serve as a platform for strategic discussions, particularly in response to the strengthening trilateral alliance between South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

Implications for Regional and Global Diplomacy

Kim’s participation in the multilateral event underscores the shifting dynamics in Northeast Asia. South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun noted that this marks the first time Kim will attend a gathering of this scale, potentially opening avenues for renewed dialogue. However, Pyongyang has so far dismissed efforts by the U.S. and South Korea to negotiate an end to its nuclear ambitions.

According to NK News, Xi Jinping’s decision to host the parade with such high-profile attendees signals China’s intent to showcase its growing influence on the global stage. The event also highlights Beijing’s commitment to deepening its alliances with Pyongyang and Moscow, despite international criticism.

As the September 3 parade approaches, all eyes will be on Beijing to see how this rare convergence of leaders will shape the geopolitical landscape in the months to come.