North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit China next week for the first time in six years to attend a military parade, the two countries announced on Thursday. The visit will mark Kim’s first appearance at a major multilateral event with other world leaders since he took power in late 2011.Russian President Vladimir Putin will also attend the parade, highlighting a three-way alignment among Beijing, Moscow and Pyongyang amid US efforts to strengthen alliances with South Korea and Japan.North Korea’s state media reported that Kim was invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping. He will join 26 foreign leaders at next Wednesday’s parade in Beijing, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and China’s resistance against Japan. China’s foreign ministry said the visit reflects a continued effort to uphold and strengthen traditional ties with North Korea.
“We warmly welcome General Secretary Kim Jong Un to China to attend the commemorative events,” Hong Lei, China’s assistant minister of foreign affairs, told a press conference. “Upholding, consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) is a firm position of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government.”Since inheriting power, Kim has met several world leaders in bilateral meetings, including Xi, Putin, US President Donald Trump and former South Korean President Moon Jae-in. However, he has not previously attended a large multilateral event. “Given that other leaders attending are mostly from pro-Russia and pro-Chinese countries, Kim likely intends to form solidarity with those Global South countries while showing he’s leader of a normal country,” said Moon Seong Mook, an analyst for the Seoul-based Korea Research Institute for National Strategy.Observers also note that North Korea’s growing cooperation with Russia has bolstered Kim’s position internationally, allowing him to withstand US-led sanctions. Pyongyang has provided troops and ammunition to support Russia’s war in Ukraine in exchange for economic and military aid.Other leaders attending the parade include those from Iran, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Malaysia. No leaders from major Western countries, including the US, are expected, partly due to disagreements with Russia over the Ukraine war. The event will also feature new Chinese weaponry and a speech by Xi.Although China, North Korea, and Russia face separate confrontations with the US, they have not formed a formal three-way alliance. This will be the first time Xi, Kim, and Putin gather at the same event, signaling a visible alignment against strengthening US-South Korea-Japan cooperation, which includes joint military exercises.“Kim’s attendance is significant for his own international stature, but it also holds weight in the balance of alliances between the U.S. and China,” said Soo Kim, a former CIA analyst. “Xi, Putin, and now Kim attending the parade cements a visible statement about the alignment between the three countries.”While Kim’s current priority appears to be closer ties with Russia, analysts expect him to use the visit to improve relations with China. China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 97% of its external trade in 2023. Experts suggest Kim may seek additional support from China to prepare for major domestic celebrations, including the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party in October and a party congress next year.Kim’s trip could also signal an interest in reengaging with the US, as his previous visits to China in 2018–2019 preceded high-level nuclear negotiations with Trump. Analysts say North Korea may return to talks if it perceives that the US is willing to make greater concessions.
