North Korean and Chinese officials announced on Thursday that Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, is set to visit China for the first time in six years next week. He will attend a parade commemorating China’s victory in World War II and will meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping.
According to state media from North Korea, Xi, along with Putin and around 20 other foreign leaders, extended the invitation to Kim. The parade is scheduled for next Wednesday, marking the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II, often referred to in China as the “war of resistance against Japan’s invasion.”
China and Russia seem eager to commemorate their roles in the war, which they believe enhances their historical legitimacy by framing their victories against Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany in a favorable light. In contrast, the Japanese government has urged other nations to avoid attending the event this year.
China expressed a warm welcome to Kim, emphasizing the importance of fostering and developing traditional ties between China and North Korea, as underscored by the Chinese Communist Party and government.
Kim, who has not participated in a large gathering of multiple world leaders since he took power in 2011 following his father’s death, is likely looking to strengthen relationships with nations aligned with pro-Russia and pro-China sentiments. Some analysts speculate he aims to present himself as the leader of a more normalized state.
His appearance at the parade holds significance for his international stature and also impacts the dynamics between the US and China. The visible collaboration between Xi, Putin, and Kim could reinforce their alliance in the eyes of the world.
Other nations such as Iran, Belarus, Cuba, and several Southeast Asian countries are also expected to participate in the military parades. While Slovakia and Serbia will attend, most Western leaders seem to be avoiding the event, possibly due to Japan’s concerns and Putin’s presence. The United Nations will be represented by Secretary General Li Junhua, who previously served in a role with the Chinese Communist Party.
Some analysts point out that Xi Jinping may be leveraging the World War II commemorations to assert China’s presence as a global leader, especially amid economic challenges and civil unrest. This moment gives Xi a platform to enhance his authority domestically and showcase international partnerships.
During Xi’s rise, he regarded Putin as a model leader and now, with Kim at his side, it reflects Xi’s position on the global stage. Meanwhile, North Korea, Iran, and Russia remain under international sanctions, and China has played a pivotal role in offering avenues to circumvent these limitations.
It is suggested that Xi’s interactions with Kim and Putin during the parade could be instrumental in fostering diplomatic ties, especially in light of ongoing tensions involving Ukraine and the US. This dynamic could grant Xi a strategic advantage ahead of expected meetings with President Trump in the coming weeks.
The potential for a trilateral meeting between Xi, Kim, and Putin might also reinforce North Korea’s connection with China in the context of their growing collaboration, particularly regarding military support amid the conflict in Ukraine.
