Kim Jong Un in China: North Korea’s Leader Attends Military Parade Alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin

In a dramatic display of geopolitical solidarity, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed into China aboard his trademark armored train to attend a massive military parade in Beijing. The event, which also drew Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighted the increasingly close cooperation among nations seeking to challenge Western influence on the global stage.

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The parade, marking the anniversary of the end of World War II, featured cutting-edge Chinese weaponry, thousands of troops, and high-profile international guests. But the presence of Kim Jong Un stood out as a symbolic moment, underscoring North Korea’s deepening ties with its most powerful neighbors.

A Rare Appearance Beyond Pyongyang

Kim Jong Un’s foreign trips are rare, making his appearance in China especially significant. His decision to join a parade attended by Putin and Xi was no mere diplomatic courtesy—it was a calculated move to project strength, legitimacy, and international support for his regime.

According to Reuters, Kim crossed the border in his heavily fortified train, a mode of travel historically favored by the Kim dynasty for security reasons. Upon arrival, he was greeted with full honors and a welcome reserved for heads of state.

For Beijing, showcasing Kim alongside Xi and Putin sends a message that North Korea remains a key part of the emerging axis countering U.S. and Western influence.

A Parade Loaded with Symbolism

The parade itself was a spectacular demonstration of Chinese military might. Advanced drones, hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, and long-range artillery systems rolled past cheering crowds. The choreography, precision, and scale of the event served both as a domestic show of power and as an international warning that China is ready to assert itself militarily.

Kim’s presence carried added symbolic weight. North Korea, long dependent on China for economic and political backing, has been seeking greater international recognition. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Xi and Putin, Kim positioned himself as part of a new power bloc in direct opposition to the West.

Putin, Xi, and Kim: A Strategic Trio

The sight of the three leaders together was not just a ceremonial moment but also a signal of the shifting global balance of power.

• Xi Jinping continues to promote China as a leader of a “multipolar world order” where U.S. dominance is curtailed.

• Vladimir Putin, increasingly isolated after Russia’s war in Ukraine, has leaned heavily on China and North Korea for diplomatic support, energy trade, and even military cooperation.

• Kim Jong Un, facing crippling sanctions and economic hardship, views closer ties with Beijing and Moscow as a lifeline for his regime’s survival and ambitions.

This alignment is being closely watched in Washington, Brussels, and Tokyo, where policymakers fear a consolidated anti-Western bloc could accelerate global instability.

North Korea’s Weapons Aspirations

Kim Jong Un has long pursued advanced weapons technology, including nuclear warheads, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and submarine-launched systems. Despite international sanctions, Pyongyang continues to conduct missile tests and expand its nuclear arsenal.

Analysts believe Kim’s participation in Beijing’s parade could signal further cooperation with China and Russia on defense matters. While Beijing has historically played the role of a cautious partner—balancing support for North Korea with its global image—the changing geopolitical climate could embolden deeper military collaboration.

A senior defense analyst from Brookings Institution noted, “Kim’s appearance in Beijing is more than symbolic. It may open doors for new deals—whether in energy, food, or weapons technology—that allow North Korea to weather sanctions and continue its weapons programs.”

Reactions from the West

Western governments have reacted cautiously but with growing concern. The United States condemned what it described as “a troubling show of military solidarity among authoritarian regimes.” Officials in Washington warned that the alignment of Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow could complicate efforts to enforce sanctions on North Korea and pressure Russia over Ukraine.

Japan and South Korea, already on high alert over North Korea’s missile tests, expressed alarm at Kim’s participation. Seoul’s Ministry of Defense emphasized the need for stronger cooperation with the U.S. to counter regional threats.

European leaders also voiced unease, with NATO officials warning that “partnerships among authoritarian states have the potential to erode global stability.”

Economic and Strategic Dimensions

Beyond military symbolism, Kim’s trip to China also carries strong economic undertones. North Korea’s economy remains in crisis, battered by sanctions, isolation, and food shortages. China has long been Pyongyang’s biggest trade partner and lifeline.

By participating in the parade, Kim may be signaling his willingness to further align North Korea’s economy with Beijing’s sphere of influence. Observers suggest discussions between Kim and Xi likely included agreements on energy supplies, cross-border trade, and infrastructure support.

Meanwhile, Russia has increasingly turned to North Korea for weapons supplies to sustain its war in Ukraine, deepening the triangle of cooperation. Reports of North Korean ammunition shipments to Russia have already drawn criticism from the West, raising questions about what new commitments may have been made during this high-profile gathering.

China’s Calculated Role

For Xi Jinping, the presence of Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin served as a diplomatic victory. Hosting both leaders allowed Beijing to showcase itself as the hub of a growing anti-Western alliance.

China’s leadership has repeatedly emphasized that it seeks a world order where “no single nation dominates.” By hosting such a powerful symbolic event, Beijing positioned itself as the leader of a bloc willing to resist Western pressure.

At the same time, China is careful not to escalate tensions too quickly. Beijing still relies on global trade and does not want to provoke sanctions or economic retaliation that could harm its long-term ambitions. Kim’s participation, however, shows that Xi is willing to take calculated risks to strengthen partnerships with like-minded regimes.

Historical Context

The relationship between North Korea and China has deep historical roots. During the Korean War in the 1950s, China intervened militarily to support Pyongyang, forging a bond that has endured despite tensions. While the relationship has sometimes been strained—particularly when North Korea’s weapons tests threatened regional stability—Beijing has never abandoned its neighbor.

Kim’s appearance in China is a reminder of that enduring bond and a declaration that the relationship is alive and strategically relevant in 2025.

The Global Order in Flux

The Beijing parade may go down as more than just a military show—it could mark a turning point in the shaping of a new geopolitical order. The gathering of Xi, Putin, and Kim highlighted the consolidation of an alternative power structure challenging Western dominance.

This bloc, while diverse in its interests, shares common goals: resisting U.S.-led sanctions, undermining Western alliances, and reshaping the rules of global governance.

For North Korea, participation offered legitimacy. For Russia, it provided much-needed support. And for China, it showcased leadership in a turbulent international landscape.

What Comes Next?

The parade may be over, but its implications will reverberate for months. Analysts predict:

• More military cooperation among North Korea, China, and Russia.

• Expanded trade deals, including energy and arms exchanges.

• Increased Western pressure, with the U.S., Japan, and South Korea likely tightening security and economic measures.

• Potential diplomatic fallout, as global institutions debate how to address the growing alignment of authoritarian powers.

Whether this moment signals the birth of a formal alliance or a temporary show of unity, one thing is certain: the world is entering a period of heightened tension.

Conclusion

Kim Jong Un’s trip to China was far more than a ceremonial appearance at a parade. It was a powerful geopolitical signal that North Korea, long isolated, is now fully aligning with China and Russia. Against the backdrop of escalating global rivalries, this display of solidarity challenges the West and underscores the shifting contours of international power.

As the dust settles from Beijing’s military spectacle, one question looms: will the world witness a new Cold War-like division, or is this alignment merely symbolic? For now, the sight of Xi, Putin, and Kim standing together sends a clear message—the global order is shifting, and the consequences will be profound.