A Stage for Xi, Putin, and Kim Jong Un
to Demonstrate Unity
Foreign media outlets have highlighted Kim Jong Un's attendance at the "80th Anniversary Parade of China's Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan," reporting it as a major story and noting that this marks his debut on a multilateral diplomatic stage since coming to power.
On August 28, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced at a briefing on preparations for the "80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War" that, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, 26 foreign heads of state and government leaders will attend the commemorative events, releasing a list of attendees that includes Chairman Kim Jong Un.
The BBC described Kim's decision to visit China as "landmark." This is Kim Jong Un's first visit to China in six years since 2019, and the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese victory parade in 66 years, since 1959. The BBC also noted that in 2015, then-Workers' Party Secretary Choe Ryong Hae attended the Chinese parade, but this time, the event is elevated by Kim Jong Un's personal attendance.
CNN also reported on the news, stating that "Kim Jong Un, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was placed at the top of President Xi Jinping's invitation list." CNN pointed out that with the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia all attending, "three authoritarian leaders will stand side by side atop Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, taking a group photo and presenting a clear show of unity."
The New York Times reported that Kim Jong Un's invitation to this event, which includes 26 leaders from countries such as North Korea, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Iran, and Cuba, "provides Kim with his first opportunity to debut on a diplomatic stage where multinational leaders are gathered."
The Washington Post also emphasized that this will be Kim Jong Un's first appearance on a multilateral diplomatic stage since coming to power in 2011. While Kim has previously met with leaders such as President Xi Jinping, President Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and former President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, all of those meetings were bilateral, and he has never participated in a summit-level multilateral diplomatic event, the Post reported.
There is also analysis suggesting that Kim's attendance signals an intention to improve relations with China. The Washington Post noted that China is North Korea's largest trading partner and questioned whether North Korea-China relations have remained unchanged during the recent years in which North Korea has focused on strengthening ties with Russia. The paper analyzed that "North Korea is expected to take steps to strengthen relations with China in order to overcome its economic difficulties."
Another analysis suggests that Kim Jong Un's decision to visit China is aimed at improving relations with former President Trump. As Trump has recently hinted at the possibility of renewed dialogue with Kim, it is believed that Kim is seeking to align himself with President Xi in order to gain a more advantageous position in potential North Korea-U.S. negotiations. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University, stated, "Kim Jong Un is seeking to restore ties with President Xi in order to resume dialogue with President Trump from a position of strength," adding, "Attending the parade is a very conspicuous way to achieve this."
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