Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin to Attend China's Military Parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend a military parade in Beijing on September 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. This event marks Kim's first international appearance since 2019 and his inaugural participation in a multilateral gathering since assuming power in 2011.

The parade, to be held in Tiananmen Square, will showcase China's latest military advancements, including fighter jets, missile defense systems, and hypersonic weapons. President Xi Jinping will oversee the event, which is expected to be one of China's most significant military displays in recent years.

A total of 26 foreign leaders are slated to attend, including Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezashkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik. Notably, most Western leaders are not expected to be present, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Kim's attendance underscores efforts to strengthen ties with Beijing, North Korea's primary trade partner, accounting for approximately 97% of its foreign trade in 2023. This visit follows a period of enhanced cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including military support, raising questions about the dynamics of Pyongyang's relationships with both nations.

The parade serves as a platform for China to project its growing military capabilities and diplomatic influence, particularly among Global South nations. The event is anticipated to be closely monitored by international observers, given its implications for regional security and global power dynamics.