North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to make a rare trip abroad, attending a grand military parade in Beijing on September 3. The event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, will bring together a powerful trio of leaders: China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un.
A Rare Gathering of Leaders
China has confirmed that dozens of foreign dignitaries will attend the parade, including leaders from Belarus, Iran, and Indonesia, along with South Korea’s National Assembly speaker. The notable absence of most Western leaders underscores the geopolitical divide, with Slovakia’s prime minister among the few representatives from Europe expected to appear.
A Show of Power and Unity
The parade, staged on Beijing’s iconic Chang’an Avenue and Tiananmen Square, will showcase China’s latest military advances. Thousands of troops will march while fighter jets, missile systems, and cutting-edge weaponry roll past in an extravagant display of force. For Beijing, the event is more than commemoration—it is a message of military confidence and a statement of solidarity with Moscow and Pyongyang.
Why Kim’s Attendance Matters
For Kim Jong Un, this visit marks his first trip to China since 2019 and his first time joining a multilateral stage of this scale. The move allows him to raise his global profile while reinforcing North Korea’s partnership with China, its main economic lifeline. His presence alongside Putin also highlights the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, particularly in military and technological cooperation.
Analysts suggest that Kim may be seeking to balance his growing closeness with Russia by reaffirming North Korea’s traditional bond with Beijing. The timing comes as Pyongyang aims to assert its relevance on the international stage amid mounting Western sanctions and continued isolation.
A Shifting Global Landscape
The trio of Xi, Putin, and Kim standing together sends a clear signal: an emerging bloc of nations determined to counter U.S.-led influence in Asia and beyond. This moment of unity among the three leaders reflects a broader push to present an alternative global order.
At the same time, the event will be closely watched by neighboring countries. South Korea, Japan, and the United States have recently increased joint military drills, a reminder of the growing strategic rivalry in the region.
Conclusion
The Beijing parade will not just honor history—it will project the future alignment of global power. For Kim Jong Un, the occasion represents a rare opportunity to step into the international spotlight, alongside two of his most important allies, at a time of sharpening divisions between East and West.
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