Kim Jong Un to Attend Beijing Military Parade, Signaling North Korea's Diplomatic Shift

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to attend a military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. This event will be Kim's first participation in a multilateral gathering since assuming power in 2011, signaling a potential shift in North Korea's diplomatic engagements.

The parade, to be held in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, will also host Russian President Vladimir Putin and 24 other foreign leaders, including Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezashkian, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Notably, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico will be the only Western leader in attendance. The event is expected to showcase China's latest military advancements, including hypersonic missiles and autonomous weapons, underscoring the nation's growing military capabilities.

Kim's attendance is particularly significant as it marks his first participation in a multilateral event since he assumed leadership in 2011. Previously, Kim has engaged in bilateral meetings with leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in but has refrained from attending major international gatherings. His presence at this parade indicates a potential shift in North Korea's diplomatic approach and highlights the strengthening ties among China, Russia, and North Korea.

The parade will serve as a platform for China to display its advanced military technology, including hypersonic missiles and autonomous weapons. Major General Wu Zeke, an official at China's military commission, stated that the event will "fully showcase our military's powerful capability to prevail in modern war." This demonstration comes amid rising tensions with the U.S. and its allies over issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The gathering of leaders from China, Russia, and North Korea underscores a united front against Western influence. The absence of major Western leaders, except for Slovakia's Prime Minister, highlights the growing divide in international alignments. This development may influence regional security dynamics and prompt responses from neighboring countries and alliances.

China has faced criticism from Japan regarding the parade. Japan reportedly urged other countries not to participate in the event, leading China to lodge a formal complaint. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that Japan should "make a clear break from its past militarism," reflecting ongoing historical and diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

Kim's participation in the Beijing military parade marks a significant moment in North Korea's diplomatic history, reflecting a potential shift towards greater multilateral engagement and alignment with China and Russia. This development warrants close observation for its potential impact on regional and global geopolitical dynamics.