North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing today aboard his signature armored green train to participate in China’s grand commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The visit marks a rare international appearance by the reclusive leader and underscores a growing trilateral alignment between Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow.
Kim’s arrival was confirmed by North Korean state media and accompanied by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and Kim Song Nam, director of the Workers’ Party International Affairs Department. Their presence signals the strategic weight of the visit, which blends ceremonial tribute with geopolitical messaging.
The parade, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, will showcase China’s military prowess with thousands of troops, advanced drone formations, and hypersonic missile carriers marching through Tiananmen Square. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also in attendance, making this a rare public gathering of the three leaders amid rising global tensions.
Kim’s participation is seen as a bold diplomatic gesture, reinforcing North Korea’s deepening ties with China and Russia. Analysts suggest the move is a direct challenge to Western influence in Asia and a signal of North Korea’s intent to play a more visible role in shaping the emerging multipolar world order.