Kim Jong Un to Make Rare Foreign Trip for Beijing’s WWII Anniversary Parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to attend a major military parade in Beijing next week at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit, if confirmed, would mark Kim’s first trip to China since 2019, underscoring Beijing’s enduring role as Pyongyang’s key ally amid shifting geopolitical alignments.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will make a rare foreign trip to China next week to attend a military parade in Beijing, both North Korean and Chinese state media confirmed on Thursday. The parade, scheduled for Wednesday, will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

According to reports, leaders from 26 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be present. However, no senior representatives from the United States or major Western European nations are expected, largely due to strained relations with Moscow over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

North Korea’s official news agency stated that Kim would travel to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping to participate in the commemorations. While details regarding the timing and duration of his visit remain undisclosed, the trip would be Kim’s first to China in six years.

China has historically served as North Korea’s largest trading partner and primary aid provider, though recent years have seen questions raised about the closeness of their relationship. Pyongyang has increasingly leaned toward Russia, sending military supplies to bolster Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

Still, analysts believe the visit signals Pyongyang’s intent to reinforce ties with Beijing. In 2023, nearly 97% of North Korea’s external trade was conducted with China, compared to just 1.2% with Russia, underscoring Beijing’s continued economic importance for the isolated state.

Kim’s presence at the parade highlights China’s strategic influence in Northeast Asia and its enduring partnership with North Korea.

Team Maverick.