North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is set to attend China’s Victory Day celebrations in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The visit, a rare occurrence for Pyongyang’s leadership, underscores growing diplomatic ties between North Korea and Russia, with both leaders expected to participate in the parade. The event highlights the shifting global alliances as Beijing hosts an array of world leaders, including Putin and Serbian President Vucic, for the commemorations.
Foreign trips by North Korea’s leadership are rare. Since taking power in 2011, Kim has made 10 such visits, with China being his most frequent destination. His upcoming trip will be his fifth to the neighboring country, reflecting the deepening strategic relationship between the two nations. Beijing is preparing to mark its victory over Imperial Japan and the defeat of the Axis powers with a large-scale military parade in Tiananmen Square.
Putin is also expected in Beijing for the September 3 celebration, returning the courtesy of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow in May. Chinese media has described Kim’s attendance as a notable upgrade from the previous anniversary, when Pyongyang was represented by senior official Choe Ryong-hae. Some 26 world leaders are expected at the parade, the centerpiece of the commemorations.
North Korea has historically relied on China as its closest foreign partner, though last year, Kim and Putin signed a broad security and cooperation agreement. This collaboration is seen as a significant shift in Pyongyang’s foreign policy, moving away from its traditional reliance on China alone. The agreement aims to strengthen military and economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the face of increasing international pressure.
On May 9, the North Korean leader visited the Russian embassy in Pyongyang to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany, while his ambassador attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow. This gesture was part of a broader effort to align North Korea’s interests with Russia’s, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Few Western leaders plan to go to China, with only Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic making the trip.
The United States and its allies are divided on the Ukraine conflict, with US President Donald Trump advocating for a negotiated compromise, while many EU leaders continue to push for sustained military support to Kiev. Slovakia has been one of the dissenting voices in Europe, particularly following Ukrainian attacks on an oil pipeline that provides it and Hungary with vital energy resources. This incident has further strained relations between the West and Russia, complicating the geopolitical landscape.