North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un will attend a major military parade in Beijing next week, according to China’s foreign ministry. This will be Kim’s first big international gathering with other world leaders in years, making it one of the Breaking News stories watched closely across the globe.
The parade, called “Victory Day”, marks the 80th anniversary of China’s fight against Japan during World War II. It will also showcase China’s growing military power, sending a strong message to the world about its influence.
World Leaders in Beijing
More than 26 heads of state are expected to attend the event, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. His attendance is significant because it comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his interest in meeting Kim again.
- Kim Jong Un’s presence is seen as a diplomatic upgrade from 2015, when North Korea only sent senior official Choe Ryong-hae.
- Standing alongside Putin and China’s President Xi Jinping, Kim will be in the global spotlight.
- For Xi, hosting both Kim and Putin is seen as a major geopolitical victory.
China’s Big Show of Strength
The military parade will be one of the largest ever held in Beijing.
- Thousands of soldiers will march through Tiananmen Square in perfect formation.
- China will display new weapon systems, anti-drone technology, tanks, and more than 200 aircraft.
- This will be the first full public demonstration of China’s reorganized military force structure.
The parade will last about 70 minutes, with Xi Jinping personally overseeing the event. Analysts say it will be carefully studied by the West, especially amid the Ukraine war and rising global tensions.
The Politics Behind the Parade
Beijing has called its relationship with Pyongyang a “traditional friendship,” promising continued cooperation for “regional peace and stability.” This statement highlights China’s effort to position itself as a key player in global diplomacy.
The timing is also very important:
- Trump is expected to travel to Asia in late October and may meet Xi.
- By hosting both Kim and Putin before that, Xi sends a signal that China holds strong influence over both men.
- This move ensures China is not left out of discussions about major world conflicts.
South Korea’s Dilemma
Another important question is whether South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung will attend.
- Lee has been invited but has not confirmed. His government is considering sending a lower-level official instead.
- If Lee attends, it could be the first time North and South Korean leaders are in the same place since relations collapsed in 2019.
- However, the risk is high: if Kim ignores or embarrasses Lee during the parade, it could damage South Korea’s image.
- Lee also faces domestic criticism for potentially standing alongside leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Iran.
What This Means for the World
This parade is more than just a celebration — it’s a clear signal to the international community.
- For China: It shows its strength, unity, and its role as a central figure in global diplomacy.
- For North Korea: Kim gains visibility and legitimacy by standing beside Putin and Xi.
- For Russia: Putin shows he still has powerful allies despite criticism over the Ukraine war.
- For the U.S.: Trump will face added pressure when he meets Xi, as the Chinese leader will already have insights from both Kim and Putin.
Most Western leaders, however, are not expected to attend because of their opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Japan has even warned that the parade could carry “anti-Japanese overtones.”
In short, this event isn’t just about military might — it’s about shaping the future of world politics. The Beijing parade will be a stage for powerful photo opportunities, hidden negotiations
