Kim Jong Un to Join Putin at China's Military Parade

Sat Dec 20 2025 10:17:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant diplomatic engagement, North Korea's Kim Jong Un is set to attend a military parade in Beijing next week, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a crucial moment in international relations.

Kim Jong Un's attendance at the military parade in Beijing is his first multilateral international meeting, showcasing China's growing influence amid strained relations with the West. The event also highlights the tightening relationship between North Korea and China, as well as Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in Beijing next week alongside Russia's Vladimir Putin, China has said, in what will be a landmark visit.

This is Kim's first multilateral international meeting, marking a diplomatic win for China's Xi Jinping who has been advocating for a new Beijing-led world order.

The event allows Xi to demonstrate his limited influence over both Putin and Kim, especially at a time when Washington is seeking a deal with Moscow to conclude the war in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump is not attending but has expressed a desire to meet Kim, amidst growing concerns regarding Kim's expanding nuclear capabilities and his support for Russia.

China's Victory Day parade will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two. Alongside Putin and Kim, 26 other heads of state are expected to participate. This will be the first attendance by a North Korean leader at a Chinese military parade since 1959.

The parade is anticipated to showcase China's latest military assets, including a wide range of aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems, marking the first full display of its newly organized military structure.

The meticulously choreographed event will take place in Tiananmen Square, featuring tens of thousands of military personnel. President Xi will oversee the 70-minute long parade, which analysts and Western powers will closely scrutinize.

Beijing has praised its longstanding friendship with Pyongyang, asserting that the two nations will collaborate towards regional stability.

Kim’s visit signifies a significant upgrade from China's last Victory Day parade in 2015, when only a high-ranking official from North Korea attended.

Kim is known for carefully balancing relationships with both Moscow and Beijing. This meeting will bolster Xi's confidence ahead of potential talks with Trump, which may take place soon.

The event comes as China seeks to strengthen ties with its Southeast Asian neighbors, with various leaders from the region expected to attend. However, most Western leaders are unlikely to join the parade due to their opposition to Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Kim’s trip marks a rare opportunity for him to appear on the international stage while solidifying his relationship with China, especially as he has limited international travel.