Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is set to attend a military parade in Beijing this week, where he will stand alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The event marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, celebrated by China as its victory over Japan, and will be held in Tiananmen Square.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this gathering will be the first in 66 years where the leaders of North Korea, Russia, and China, historically allied nations since the Cold War, will be present at the same venue. Kim departed Pyongyang aboard his private armored train on Monday, crossing into China early Tuesday to attend the parade scheduled for Wednesday.
Reports from Russian news sources indicate that Kim will be seated to Xi's left, with Putin on Xi's right, as heads of state from 26 foreign countries observe the military parade, which will showcase China's latest military capabilities and formations. This marks Kim's first appearance at a multilateral diplomatic event since he assumed power in late 2011, and the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade since Kim's grandfather, Kim Il-sung, did in 1959.
Kim's participation could pave the way for a three-way summit with Xi and Putin on the sidelines, which would be their first meeting and might indicate strengthened trilateral collaboration. This potential alignment stands in contrast to the growing partnership among South Korea, the United States, and Japan, whose leaders have been reaffirming their trilateral cooperation against mutual threats.
The gathering of Kim, Xi, and Putin occurs as the U.S. seeks to "modernize" its alliances, including with South Korea, to counter China's expanding global influence. Kim's decision to attend suggests a desire to mend ties with China, which have been strained due to North Korea's recent alignment with Moscow. In recent times, Kim and Putin have deepened military ties through bilateral summits and a mutual defense treaty, leading to North Korean military support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
Experts believe Kim's visit to China is timed with the anticipation of the Russia-Ukraine war's conclusion, potentially shifting Moscow's focus away from North Korea. Some analysts also suggest Kim may aim to leverage improved relations with China to enhance his bargaining position in potential future negotiations with the U.S.
Observers note that Xi's display of solidarity with North Korea, Russia, and other countries during the parade could signify the emergence of a "new Cold War."