Kim Jong Un China Victory Day Parade: Putin and Xi to Join

Kim Jong Un will join Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at China’s Victory Day parade in Beijing, marking a major moment in Asian geopolitics.

Kim Jong Un China Victory Day Parade to Showcase Beijing’s Power

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will attend the China Victory Day Parade in Beijing next week, confirmed by China’s foreign ministry. This is his first major global appearance in years, signaling a new phase in regional diplomacy.

The parade will mark the 80th anniversary of China’s resistance against Japan and the end of World War Two. Beijing plans to showcase advanced tanks, fighter aircraft, and anti-drone systems as part of its modernized military structure. Tens of thousands of troops, veterans, and 45 army divisions will march through Tiananmen Square.

For Xi Jinping, the event is more than a commemoration. It is a display of China’s growing military power and an opportunity to reinforce Beijing’s role in shaping global politics.

Why Kim Jong Un’s Return to China Parade Matters

Kim Jong Un’s presence at the parade is a significant upgrade from 2015, when North Korea sent only senior official Choe Ryong-hae. Standing alongside Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping elevates Kim’s international visibility and reaffirms the China–North Korea alliance.

The timing is crucial. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently expressed interest in meeting Kim again. With Putin, Xi, and Kim in Beijing, China gains diplomatic leverage before any possible U.S.-China summit later this year.

South Korea’s Position on the Victory Day Parade

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has also been invited to the parade but has not confirmed his attendance. If he accepts, it could open the first chance to meet Kim since 2019. However, the risk of being publicly ignored by Pyongyang could be politically damaging for Seoul.

Lee faces a dilemma: attending may show goodwill, but it also risks South Korea being seen as aligned with Russia, Belarus, and Iran—leaders also expected at the event.

What the Victory Day Parade Means for Global Politics

The Kim Jong Un China Victory Day Parade is more than a patriotic event. It is a geopolitical stage:

• For China – a demonstration of military strength and diplomatic influence.
• For Kim Jong Un – a break from isolation and a chance to stand alongside global powers.
• For Russia’s Putin – another signal of his alignment with Beijing.
• For South Korea and the U.S. – added pressure to rethink strategies on the Korean peninsula.

As Xi, Putin, and Kim march forward with a show of unity, the parade highlights shifting alliances and rising challenges for the West.