Talk about a power trio! Kim Jong Un is making a rare appearance with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing. This isn’t just a photo op; it’s a major signal of shifting global alliances and a bold statement against Western influence. What could these three leaders be planning next?
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to make a rare international appearance alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a significant military parade in Beijing, signaling a potent alignment of powers on the global stage.
The highly anticipated event marks Kim’s first visit to China in six years and his initial participation in a major multilateral gathering since assuming leadership in 2011. Hosted by China to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and its resistance against Japan, the parade is expected to showcase Beijing’s latest military advancements and feature a key address by President Xi.
This convergence of leaders from Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow underscores a growing three-way alignment, directly challenging the United States’ efforts to strengthen its alliances with South Korea and Japan. Observers suggest the meeting solidifies a visible statement about the evolving geopolitical landscape and the shared desires to counterbalance Western influence.
Kim’s decision to attend is viewed as a strategic move to elevate his international stature and demonstrate North Korea’s role as a “normal country” amidst the gathering of “Global South” leaders. Analysts believe he aims to foster solidarity with like-minded nations, bolstered by his country’s expanding capabilities, which have helped mitigate diplomatic isolation.
While Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang are embroiled in separate confrontations with the U.S., their collective presence at the parade highlights a potential for deeper strategic cooperation. They likely share common objectives in checking the increasing collaboration among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, which have recently expanded their joint military exercises and security agreements.
China has historically served as North Korea’s primary trading partner and a crucial provider of aid. However, recent years have seen questions arise regarding the dynamics of their relationship, with Chinese group tours to North Korea remaining suspended. This high-profile visit by Kim could signify efforts to revitalize and strengthen these vital bilateral ties.
Kim’s previous four visits to China between 2018 and 2019 notably preceded his high-stakes summits with the former U.S. President. While North Korea’s immediate foreign policy priorities may lie elsewhere, many anticipate steps to improve relations with Beijing, especially given China’s enduring economic and political support for the North Korean regime, which accounts for the vast majority of its external trade.
Experts from the Seoul-based Korea Research Institute for National Strategy suggest that Kim aims to form solidarity with pro-Russia and pro-Chinese countries, viewing himself as a leader of a “normal country” on the global stage. Additionally, some analysts speculate that Kim’s attendance in China could be linked to seeking assistance for significant domestic events, such as the upcoming 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party in October and a party congress early next year.
The parade is expected to attract leaders from various nations, including Iran, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Malaysia, further solidifying a bloc that largely excludes major Western powers. This gathering is not merely a commemoration but a potent symbol of shifting global alliances and the formation of a counter-narrative to U.S.-led diplomatic initiatives.
