Next week, Beijing will become a focal point of global politics as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un makes a rare trip to attend a military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, will also be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, making for a powerful trio of leaders.
The parade’s guest list starkly reflects the world’s current geopolitical landscape. While 26 heads of state are confirmed, the absence of leaders from the U.S. and Western Europe is a deliberate snub aimed at Russia’s Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine. This boycott transforms the celebration into a showcase of non-Western alliances.
This visit is Kim Jong Un’s first to China since 2019, a clear signal of his intent to reinforce relations with his country’s primary economic and political backer. With China accounting for nearly all of North Korea’s foreign trade, maintaining a strong relationship with Beijing is a top priority for Pyongyang, especially amid international sanctions.
The timing is also significant given North Korea’s recent alignment with Russia. By supplying Moscow with ammunition, Pyongyang has picked a side in the Ukraine conflict. Kim’s presence in Beijing alongside Putin and Xi Jinping serves to formalize and display this growing strategic partnership for the world to see.