North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reached China early Tuesday (Sept 2) by armored train. He is set to appear in Beijing for a large-scale military parade where he will stand alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Significance of the Parade
The parade, scheduled for Wednesday in Tiananmen Square, will highlight China’s military strength. It will include marching soldiers, aerial displays, and advanced weaponry. The event commemorates 80 years since the end of World War II and will host more than 25 world leaders.
Historical Context
China’s government describes the occasion as a moment of unity. The parade honors the sacrifices made during China’s war against imperial Japan in the 1930s and 1940s, which later became part of World War II after the Pearl Harbor attack. Kim’s participation is especially notable as it marks his first public appearance alongside both Xi and Putin.
Growing Ties with China and Russia
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported Kim’s travel, citing North Korea’s state broadcaster KCBC. Analysts say the move carries symbolic weight. “Kim’s appearance ‘formalises the China-Russia-North Korea trilateral (relationship) to the public,’” Soo Kim, a former CIA analyst, told AFP.
Kim’s Return to the Spotlight
Kim once drew international attention between 2018 and 2019, when he held high-profile summits with US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. However, he pulled back from diplomacy after the failed 2019 Hanoi summit with Trump. He remained largely absent during the pandemic, only resurfacing in 2023 for talks with Putin in Russia’s Far East.
Security and Preparations in Beijing
Beijing has tightened security ahead of the parade. Military personnel patrol the streets, while major roads have been closed. White barricades line central avenues, and patriotic decorations cover the city. Artworks featuring flowers, doves, and the emblem “1945–2025” have been displayed, with Chinese flags flying in residential areas.
Expectations from the Parade
Officials have not disclosed what new weapons will be showcased. However, observers expect China to reveal advanced systems. Some analysts even speculate that a massive laser weapon could be among the highlights.