North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un to Join Russian and Chinese Leaders at Beijing Military Parade

Strategic Insights -

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is set to join Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a military parade in Beijing this week, marking the first time in 66 years that the top leaders of North Korea, Russia, and China will appear together at the same venue. This high-profile event comes as tensions between the United States and its allies, including South Korea and Japan, rise, with China and Russia strengthening their ties through military cooperation. The parade will showcase China's latest weaponry and troops marching in formation, with Kim, Putin, and Xi seated at the front, alongside heads of state from 26 foreign countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kim's decision to attend the military parade marks his first appearance at a multilateral diplomatic event, having assumed power in late 2011.
  • The last time a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade was in 1959, when Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, did.
  • Kim's presence at the parade could set the stage for a three-way summit with Xi and Putin, which would mark their first meeting and signal strengthened trilateral collaboration.
  • The gathering comes as Washington pushes to "modernize" its alliances with South Korea and Japan to counter China's growing global influence and its hegemonic ambitions.
  • North Korea's recent alignment with Moscow has strained its traditionally strong ties with China, which Kim's trip to Beijing aims to restore.
  • Experts assess that North Korea chose this timing to anticipate the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine war, which could shift Moscow's focus westward, away from Pyongyang.
  • Some observers suggest Kim may be seeking to recover relations with China to leverage them to strengthen his bargaining position ahead of potential negotiations with the U.S.
  • Xi's demonstration of solidarity with North Korea, Russia, and other participating countries could signal the start of a possible "new Cold War."

Statistics:

  • 66 years ago: The last time the top leaders of North Korea, Russia, and China appeared together at the same venue.
  • 26: The number of foreign countries represented by heads of state attending the military parade.
  • 80th anniversary: The military parade marks the end of World War II, which China commemorates as its victory over Japan.
  • 1959: The last time a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade, when Kim Il-sung did.
  • 2011: The year Kim Jong-un assumed power, making this his first appearance at a multilateral diplomatic event.

Sources:

  • Yonhap News Agency, 02 Sep 2025
  • Russian news reports (no date provided)
  • [Exact date of President Lee Jae Myung's summits with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump not mentioned]