Kim Jong Un plans first visit to China in six years for military parade

In the context of shifting global alliances, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit China next week to attend a military parade in Beijing. This marks Kim's first trip to the nation in six years, emphasizing his re-engagement with international leaders. The parade is scheduled to take place on Wednesday and will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Alongside Kim, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be present, signaling a growing alignment between China, Russia, and North Korea amid increasing tensions with the United States. Since ascending to power in December 2011, Kim has made numerous trips to meet various global leaders, yet he has not attended any significant multilateral events during his tenure. This upcoming parade represents a unique opportunity for Kim to connect with several world leaders simultaneously, which is particularly notable given the historical context of international relations in recent years. His participation underscores the collaborative ties forming among China, Russia, and North Korea, especially against the backdrop of U.S. efforts to strengthen alliances with South Korea and Japan. Analysts suggest that Kim's visit is strategically timed, as it allows him to demonstrate his leadership in a more normalized context while seeking assistance from China for North Korea's domestic needs. There are ongoing speculations about potential support for North Korea’s celebrations of key anniversaries later this year, such as the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party. The alignment of the three leaders at the parade could also serve as a message regarding their mutual opposition to U.S. policies and military partnerships with regional allies. As China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, this event may hold significant implications for future diplomatic relations. The historical context of these interactions highlights the importance of military and economic partnerships in a world increasingly defined by geopolitical divides. Kim's engagement with Xi Jinping and Putin hints at a longer-term strategy for North Korea to strengthen its position on the global stage and to possibly re-engage in negotiations with the United States from a position of improved diplomatic standing.