North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is scheduled to attend a military parade in Beijing next week, joining Russian President Vladimir Putin, as confirmed by Chinese authorities. This event marks Kim’s first multilateral international meeting, positioning it as a significant diplomatic opportunity for Chinese President Xi Jinping amid growing efforts for a China-led global framework.
The parade is a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. It will see participation from Kim, Putin, and 26 other heads of state, making it the first occasion since 1959 that a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade. The event is expected to showcase China’s latest military capabilities, including a wide array of weaponry, and will feature tens of thousands of troops marching through Tiananmen Square.
China’s foreign ministry has acknowledged the long-standing “traditional friendship” with North Korea and has affirmed intentions to collaborate for “regional peace and stability.” Kim’s attendance is a notable upgrade from China’s previous parade in 2015, where a senior official represented North Korea. This time, Kim’s presence alongside Putin and Xi may enhance Xi’s position in future discussions with Western leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in a meeting.
Western leaders are largely expected to boycott the parade due to opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Beijing has not condemned the invasion and has faced accusations from the U.S. and allies of providing support to Russia. In contrast, North Korea has reportedly supplied military assistance to Moscow during the conflict. The attendance list indicates a shifting global dynamic, as leaders from Southeast Asia and figures like Myanmar’s military ruler, dependent on Chinese support, will be in attendance, while fewer EU representatives are present compared to previous years.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c17njr88ge4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss