Kim Jong Un Attends Beijing Military Parade in Historic Visit
Published 1 September 2025
Highlights
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to China on his armoured train to attend a military parade in Beijing, marking his first multilateral international meeting.
- The parade, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, will feature leaders like China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
- Kim's attendance is notable as it is the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade since 1959.
- The train journey, which is heavily protected and travels slowly, is a tradition started by Kim's grandfather, Kim Il Sung.
- The event underscores China's efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, with leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam also attending.
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Rewritten Article
Kim Jong Un Attends Beijing Military Parade in Historic Visit
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has embarked on a significant diplomatic journey, crossing into China aboard his iconic armoured train to attend a military parade in Beijing. This marks Kim's first multilateral international meeting, where he will join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other global leaders to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.
A Historic Journey
Kim's journey began on Monday, with his train crossing into China early Tuesday morning, according to North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun. The train, described as a "moving fortress," travels at a modest speed of 60 kilometers per hour, making the trip to Beijing approximately 20 hours long. This mode of transport, favored by North Korean leaders for decades, offers a secure and comfortable environment for Kim and his entourage.
Diplomatic Significance
The parade, set to take place in Beijing's historic Tiananmen Square, will showcase China's latest military advancements, including new aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems. Kim's presence is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time a North Korean leader has attended such an event in China since 1959. This visit also highlights the strengthening of ties between China and North Korea, as well as Beijing's broader diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia.
Tradition and Modern Diplomacy
The tradition of traveling by train was initiated by Kim's grandfather, Kim Il Sung, and continued by his father, Kim Jong Il, who reportedly had a fear of flying. Despite Kim Jong Un's willingness to fly, as demonstrated by his 2018 summit with Donald Trump, the train remains his preferred mode of transport for significant diplomatic engagements. The train is equipped with luxurious amenities, including conference rooms and bedrooms, ensuring a comfortable journey for Kim and his delegation.
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Scenario Analysis
Kim Jong Un's participation in the Beijing military parade could signal a shift in North Korea's diplomatic strategy, potentially opening doors for increased engagement with China and other regional powers. This visit may pave the way for future collaborations, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as economic development and security. However, the presence of leaders like Putin and Kim at the event may also draw criticism from Western nations, further complicating international relations. As North Korea continues to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape, Kim's diplomatic maneuvers will be closely watched by global observers.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has embarked on a significant diplomatic journey, crossing into China aboard his iconic armoured train to attend a military parade in Beijing. This marks Kim's first multilateral international meeting, where he will join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other global leaders to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.
A Historic Journey
Kim's journey began on Monday, with his train crossing into China early Tuesday morning, according to North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun. The train, described as a "moving fortress," travels at a modest speed of 60 kilometers per hour, making the trip to Beijing approximately 20 hours long. This mode of transport, favored by North Korean leaders for decades, offers a secure and comfortable environment for Kim and his entourage.
Diplomatic Significance
The parade, set to take place in Beijing's historic Tiananmen Square, will showcase China's latest military advancements, including new aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems. Kim's presence is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time a North Korean leader has attended such an event in China since 1959. This visit also highlights the strengthening of ties between China and North Korea, as well as Beijing's broader diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia.
Tradition and Modern Diplomacy
The tradition of traveling by train was initiated by Kim's grandfather, Kim Il Sung, and continued by his father, Kim Jong Il, who reportedly had a fear of flying. Despite Kim Jong Un's willingness to fly, as demonstrated by his 2018 summit with Donald Trump, the train remains his preferred mode of transport for significant diplomatic engagements. The train is equipped with luxurious amenities, including conference rooms and bedrooms, ensuring a comfortable journey for Kim and his delegation.
What this might mean
Kim Jong Un's participation in the Beijing military parade could signal a shift in North Korea's diplomatic strategy, potentially opening doors for increased engagement with China and other regional powers. This visit may pave the way for future collaborations, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as economic development and security. However, the presence of leaders like Putin and Kim at the event may also draw criticism from Western nations, further complicating international relations. As North Korea continues to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape, Kim's diplomatic maneuvers will be closely watched by global observers.
