The unexpected visit is interpreted as a gesture of reassurance amid Pyongyang’s deepening relationship with Moscow
Beijing confirmed on Thursday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is slated to travel to China next week, where he will join Russian President Vladimir Putin and other global figures to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II.
Foreign excursions by North Korea’s leadership are infrequent. Kim has undertaken 10 such trips since assuming power in 2011, with China being his most common destination. This forthcoming journey will mark his fifth visit to the neighboring nation.
Beijing is making preparations to observe its triumph over Imperial Japan and the defeat of the Axis powers with an extensive military parade in Tiananmen Square. Putin is also anticipated to be in Beijing for the September 3 festivities, reciprocating President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow in May.
Chinese media outlets have characterized Kim’s presence as a significant elevation compared to the previous anniversary, when senior official Choe Ryong-hae represented Pyongyang. Around 26 global leaders are projected to attend the parade, which stands as the focal point of the observances.
Historically, North Korea has depended on China as its primary international ally, although Kim and Putin entered into a comprehensive security and cooperation agreement last year.
On May 9, the North Korean leader visited the Russian embassy in Pyongyang to commemorate Nazi Germany’s defeat, while his ambassador participated in the Victory Day parade in Moscow.
Only a limited number of Western leaders intend to travel to China. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will be the sole EU head of government in attendance, accompanied by President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia, an EU candidate nation. Both leaders also made visits to Moscow in May, actions that elicited condemnation in the West.
Disagreements regarding the Ukraine conflict are intensifying between the United States and its allies. US President Donald Trump has advocated for a negotiated settlement, whereas numerous EU leaders persist in advocating for ongoing military aid to Kyiv.
Slovakia has emerged as one of Europe’s dissenting voices, particularly after Ukrainian assaults on an oil pipeline that supplies crucial energy resources to both Slovakia and Hungary.