The global spotlight is on Beijing as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un makes a rare international trip to attend China’s Victory Day military parade. In a striking show of alliance, Kim traveled by his signature armored train from Pyongyang, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is also set to join the high-profile commemoration. The gathering underscores a shifting geopolitical axis, where China, Russia, and North Korea present a united front amid rising tensions with the West.
Kim Jong Un’s Rare Journey Abroad
According to reports from Yonhap News Agency and AP, Kim departed Pyongyang on Monday and crossed into China early Tuesday. The North Korean leader relied on his well-known green, bulletproof train, a symbol of both prestige and paranoia. Unlike aircraft travel, which offers speed but exposes him to potential risks, the armored train moves at a modest pace of about 60 kilometers per hour.
The trip to Beijing is estimated to take nearly 20 hours, reinforcing Kim’s preference for security over convenience. Inside, the train reportedly offers luxury features such as conference rooms, satellite communication, and heavy security measures, making it a moving fortress designed to protect the supreme leader.
This visit marks Kim’s first trip to China since 2019 and his first major appearance at an international, multilateral event since the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey itself is symbolic: Kim rarely leaves North Korea, and when he does, it is to make bold political statements.
Victory Day Parade: Why Beijing Matters
The event Kim and Putin are attending is not just a ceremonial commemoration. China’s Victory Day parade honors the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, but this year it doubles as a strategic display of military power and international alliances.
With 26 world leaders expected to attend, the parade will feature China’s latest military technology, including hypersonic missiles, anti-ship weapons, and long-range ballistic systems like the DF-26 “Guam killer”. For Beijing, the event serves two purposes:
- Projecting military might to the world.
- Demonstrating unity with allies such as Russia, North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar.
By standing alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, Kim positions North Korea as part of a new strategic bloc resisting U.S. influence and Western sanctions.
Putin and Kim: Shared Interests
The presence of Putin adds further weight to this year’s parade. Russia and North Korea have grown significantly closer in recent years, especially since signing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and mutual defense treaty in 2024.
Reports suggest North Korea has even sent military personnel to support Russia in Ukraine, deepening the cooperation between the two sanctioned states. Putin’s handshake with Kim in Beijing will be more than symbolic—it will underline a partnership built on shared opposition to Western policies.
Both leaders are seeking greater support from China, which plays the role of senior partner in this alliance. Together, the three states form what analysts have described as an “axis of upheaval”, aiming to challenge existing global power balances.
Geopolitical Implications
Kim’s presence at the Beijing parade goes beyond a simple ceremonial gesture. It signals:
- North Korea’s commitment to deepening ties with China and Russia.
- A rejection of Western pressure and sanctions.
- A willingness to align militarily and diplomatically with other nations challenging U.S. dominance.
This alignment could influence everything from energy trade to arms deals. Already, reports suggest North Korea is exploring ways to exchange military support for Russian technology and Chinese economic aid.
For Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul, the sight of Kim standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Putin and Xi will be deeply concerning. It reinforces the view that global politics is tilting toward bloc competition reminiscent of the Cold War.
What Happens Next
Analysts will closely watch whether Kim holds bilateral meetings with Xi Jinping or Putin on the sidelines of the parade. Any such talks could result in new agreements on military cooperation, energy supplies, or trade arrangements.
Another area to monitor is whether China uses the occasion to showcase joint defense strategies or signal readiness for deeper military coordination with Russia and North Korea. Such moves would further escalate tensions with the United States and its allies in Asia and Europe.
Summary: Kim’s Message to the World
Kim Jong Un’s armored train journey to China for the Victory Day parade is more than a diplomatic outing—it is a message to the world. By appearing alongside Putin and Xi, the North Korean leader highlights his nation’s place in a new geopolitical triangle of resistance.
The North Korea Kim China Parade Putin narrative captures the essence of this symbolic gathering: three leaders, united by common opposition to Western powers, seizing the stage at a military showcase in Beijing.
Whether this translates into concrete alliances or remains largely symbolic, the image of Kim, Putin, and Xi standing together will reverberate across global politics. For North Korea, it marks a rare but powerful appearance on the international stage—one that signals both defiance and strategic intent.
