Kim Jong Un to Join Beijing's World War II Anniversary Parade with Putin and Xi

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to visit Beijing next week to attend a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This marks his first visit to China since 2019 and his inaugural participation in a multilateral event with other heads of state. The parade, scheduled for September 3, 2025, in Tiananmen Square, will also host Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Notably, leaders from Western countries are expected to be absent, with Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico being an exception. Kim's attendance underscores strengthening ties among North Korea, China, and Russia amid global tensions.

The military parade aims to commemorate the formal surrender of Japan in World War II, a significant event in Chinese history. Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei emphasized the parade's importance, stating, "The Chinese people will join hands with the people of all countries to firmly defend the victories of World War II." The event is expected to be one of China's largest in recent years, featuring tens of thousands of troops and showcasing advanced military technology, including fighter jets, missile defense systems, and hypersonic weapons.

Kim Jong Un's participation is particularly noteworthy as it represents his first attendance at a multilateral event since assuming power in 2011. Analysts suggest that this move indicates North Korea's intent to strengthen alliances with countries like China and Russia, especially amid ongoing tensions with the United States and its allies. Moon Seong Mook, an analyst at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, noted, "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."

The parade will also be attended by leaders from Belarus, Iran, Indonesia, and South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik. The absence of major Western leaders highlights the current geopolitical divide, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine and China's assertive foreign policy stance.

China's decision to host such a grand military display serves multiple purposes. Domestically, it reinforces national pride and the narrative of China's significant role in World War II. Internationally, it sends a clear message about China's growing military capabilities and its willingness to assert its position on the global stage. The inclusion of advanced weaponry in the parade, such as hypersonic missiles and stealth jets, underscores this point.

The strengthening ties among China, Russia, and North Korea are evident in this gathering. All three nations have faced varying degrees of sanctions and diplomatic pressures from Western countries. Their collective presence at the parade signals a unified front and a shared interest in counterbalancing Western influence.

In conclusion, Kim Jong Un's upcoming visit to Beijing for the military parade is a significant development in international relations. It highlights the deepening alliances among North Korea, China, and Russia and reflects the shifting dynamics in global geopolitics. As these nations come together to commemorate a historical event, the world will be watching closely to understand the implications for future diplomatic and military engagements.