Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, as reported by the North's state media, marking a significant trip characterized by his planned participation in a Chinese military parade. He was photographed with his daughter, indicating her potential grooming as his successor.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim traveled from Pyongyang in a special armored train, arriving at Beijing Railway Station at 4 p.m. local time. He was welcomed by senior Chinese officials, including Cai Qi of the Communist Party's central committee, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Beijing Mayor Yin Yong. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) conveyed Kim's appreciation for the warm welcome, noting his gratitude to Comrade Xi Jinping and the Chinese party, government, and people.

KCNA-released photos showed Kim with his daughter, Ju-ae, reinforcing speculation about her future leadership role. The visit coincides with a military parade at Tiananmen Square, which Kim will attend alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender and World War II's end.

Kim, Xi, and Putin's joint appearance is seen as a display of trilateral solidarity. The South's National Intelligence Service (NIS) anticipates that Kim may engage in separate summits with Xi and Putin. Russian media have suggested the possibility of a Kim-Putin summit in China, highlighting the strengthening ties among the three nations.

This Beijing visit marks Kim's first participation in a multilateral diplomatic event since taking power from his father, Kim Jong-il. Analysts view his attendance at the Chinese military parade as a move to restore close ties with China and enhance North Korea's international standing.

Kim's recent diplomatic activities with Putin, including bilateral summits and a mutual defense treaty, have deepened military cooperation, with Pyongyang supporting Moscow's conflict in Ukraine. This has posed challenges for North Korea's relationship with China, amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and the potential end of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The NIS assessed that Kim's visit aims to restore North Korea-China relations and secure China's economic support to stabilize his regime. Observers also speculate that Kim seeks to leverage improved China relations to strengthen his negotiating position with the United States.