DID Press: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to attend next week’s “Victory Day” military parade in Beijing, appearing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will mark Kim’s first international appearance among world leaders.
The parade commemorates the 80th anniversary of China’s war with Japan and the end of World War II. China plans to showcase its latest military hardware, including hundreds of aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems. Tens of thousands of soldiers from 45 Chinese army units, along with veterans, will participate in a 70-minute march across Tiananmen Square.
Kim’s presence alongside Xi and Putin is considered a significant diplomatic victory for China’s leader, occurring as U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in meeting with Kim and has sought negotiations with Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
The gathering allows Xi Jinping to remain closely informed of regional developments before any potential talks with Trump, reinforcing China’s role in global power dynamics. Most Western leaders are not attending due to disagreements with Russia over Ukraine, and Japan has criticized the parade for its “anti-Japanese” tone.
The attendance of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol remains uncertain as Seoul will possibly send a lower-level representative.