Kim Jong Un Attends Beijing Military Parade in Diplomatic First
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.
- The event marks Kim's first multilateral international meeting, featuring leaders like China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
- The parade commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two, showcasing China's latest military advancements.
- Kim's attendance is significant as it is the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade since 1959.
- Most Western leaders are absent due to opposition to Russia's actions in Ukraine, highlighting geopolitical tensions.
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Rewritten Article
Kim Jong Un Attends Beijing Military Parade in Diplomatic First
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has embarked on a rare international journey, crossing into China aboard his signature armoured train to attend a significant military parade in Beijing. This event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two, marks Kim's first multilateral international meeting, bringing him face-to-face with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A Historic Journey by Train
Kim's journey began on Monday, with his train crossing into China early Tuesday morning, according to North Korean state media. The train, described as a "moving fortress," travels at a modest speed of 60 kilometers per hour, making the journey 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 feature tens of thousands of military personnel and showcase China's latest weaponry, including advanced aircraft and anti-drone systems. Kim's presence is noteworthy as it is the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade since 1959. His attendance underscores the strengthening ties between North Korea and China, as well as the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.
Geopolitical Context
While leaders from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam will be present, most Western leaders are notably absent, reflecting their opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This absence highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the shifting alliances in the region. Only one EU leader, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, is expected to attend, with Bulgaria and Hungary sending representatives.
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Scenario Analysis
Kim Jong Un's participation in the Beijing military parade signals a potential shift in North Korea's diplomatic strategy, as it seeks to strengthen ties with key allies like China and Russia. This move could lead to increased collaboration on economic and military fronts, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. However, the absence of Western leaders underscores the deepening divide between East and West, with implications for future diplomatic engagements and international relations. As North Korea continues to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape, its actions will be closely watched by global powers.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has embarked on a rare international journey, crossing into China aboard his signature armoured train to attend a significant military parade in Beijing. This event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two, marks Kim's first multilateral international meeting, bringing him face-to-face with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A Historic Journey by Train
Kim's journey began on Monday, with his train crossing into China early Tuesday morning, according to North Korean state media. The train, described as a "moving fortress," travels at a modest speed of 60 kilometers per hour, making the journey 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 feature tens of thousands of military personnel and showcase China's latest weaponry, including advanced aircraft and anti-drone systems. Kim's presence is noteworthy as it is the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade since 1959. His attendance underscores the strengthening ties between North Korea and China, as well as the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.
Geopolitical Context
While leaders from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam will be present, most Western leaders are notably absent, reflecting their opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This absence highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the shifting alliances in the region. Only one EU leader, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, is expected to attend, with Bulgaria and Hungary sending representatives.
What this might mean
Kim Jong Un's participation in the Beijing military parade signals a potential shift in North Korea's diplomatic strategy, as it seeks to strengthen ties with key allies like China and Russia. This move could lead to increased collaboration on economic and military fronts, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. However, the absence of Western leaders underscores the deepening divide between East and West, with implications for future diplomatic engagements and international relations. As North Korea continues to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape, its actions will be closely watched by global powers.
