North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in Beijing next week, China's foreign ministry has said - in what is believed to be his first international level meeting with other leaders. The so-called 'Victory Day' parade will mark the 80th anniversary of China's war against Japan and the end of World War Two. Russia's President Vladimir Putin will also be among the 26 heads of state expected to attend the event, which comes days after US leader Donald Trump stated he wanted to meet Kim. China is expected to display its latest weaponry including hundreds of aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems - the first time its military's new force structure is being fully showcased in such a large parade.
The highly choreographed event will feature tens of thousands of military personnel marching through Tiananmen Square, including troops from 45 units of China's military as well as war veterans. The 70-minute parade, overseen by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, will be observed closely by analysts and Western powers.
China's foreign ministry praised its neighbor North Korea, affirming their years of traditional friendship and reiterating their commitment to collaboration on regional peace and stability.
Kim's anticipated presence is a notable upgrade from China's last Victory Day parade, which occurred in 2015 when Pyongyang sent a high-ranking official instead. The timing of this parade, with notable world leaders in attendance, signifies Xi's strategic positioning in regional geopolitics. Analysts suggest that this display of unity among these leaders is intended to challenge Western narratives and express solidarity amidst ongoing global tensions, especially regarding the war in Ukraine.
Relationship dynamics may also be tested at the parade, as questions arise about whether South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung will attend. A visit from Lee could provide the first chance for the North and South's leaders to meet since diplomatic relations soured in 2019. While Lee has expressed interest in peaceful discussion, the North has responded with criticism of his administration.
Ultimately, Kim appearing alongside Xi and Putin at this prominent event presents significant diplomatic implications and could reshape the geopolitical landscape in East Asia.
The highly choreographed event will feature tens of thousands of military personnel marching through Tiananmen Square, including troops from 45 units of China's military as well as war veterans. The 70-minute parade, overseen by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, will be observed closely by analysts and Western powers.
China's foreign ministry praised its neighbor North Korea, affirming their years of traditional friendship and reiterating their commitment to collaboration on regional peace and stability.
Kim's anticipated presence is a notable upgrade from China's last Victory Day parade, which occurred in 2015 when Pyongyang sent a high-ranking official instead. The timing of this parade, with notable world leaders in attendance, signifies Xi's strategic positioning in regional geopolitics. Analysts suggest that this display of unity among these leaders is intended to challenge Western narratives and express solidarity amidst ongoing global tensions, especially regarding the war in Ukraine.
Relationship dynamics may also be tested at the parade, as questions arise about whether South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung will attend. A visit from Lee could provide the first chance for the North and South's leaders to meet since diplomatic relations soured in 2019. While Lee has expressed interest in peaceful discussion, the North has responded with criticism of his administration.
Ultimately, Kim appearing alongside Xi and Putin at this prominent event presents significant diplomatic implications and could reshape the geopolitical landscape in East Asia.
