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Putin, Vladimir

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Embarks on Rare Visit Outside Country to Attend Military Parade in China

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in China on Tuesday aboard his luxurious and heavily armored train, known as the Taeyangho, to attend a military parade in Beijing. This rare trip outside the country marks Kim's first appearance at a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule. The North Korean dictator, who has a personal fear of flying, will join 25 other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kim Jong Un's visit to China marks his first appearance at a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule.
  • The North Korean leader will join 25 other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a rare public display of three-way unity against the US.
  • Kim's trip is seen as a significant move, as he rarely travels abroad and takes part in gatherings.
  • The North Korean dictator arrived in China aboard his luxurious and heavily armored train, known as the Taeyangho, which runs at 60km per hour and is expected to take 20 hours to cover the distance.
  • China has remained a key economic and diplomatic ally of North Korea, helping to keep its economy afloat amid crippling economic sanctions from the US and its allies.
  • The visit comes amid growing Western concerns over North Korea's supply of troops and weaponry to Russia to support its war in Ukraine.
  • The three-way unity among North Korea, Russia, and China is seen as a significant development, as none of the three countries has confirmed a private trilateral leaders' meeting.

Statistics:

  • 20 hours: The estimated time taken by Kim's heavily armored train to cover the distance from Pyongyang to Beijing.
  • 60km (37 miles): The speed of the Taeyangho, Kim's luxurious train.
  • 25: The number of world leaders, including Kim Jong Un, who will attend the military parade in Beijing.
  • 14 years: The duration of Kim's rule during which he has made this rare trip outside the country.
  • 80th anniversary: The occasion for the military parade in Beijing, commemorating the end of World War II.

Sources:

  • Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)
  • Yonhap News
  • KCNA via KNS/AFP via Getty Image
  • REUTERS
  • RIA Novosti
  • PHOTO host agency
  • Copyright 2025
  • Xinhua News Agency

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