In a significant diplomatic move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's armored train has crossed into China as he gears up to attend a grand military parade marking Japan's surrender in World War II. This momentous occasion is anticipated to showcase the unity of world leaders.

A Star-Studded Commemoration

Scheduled for Wednesday, the parade in Beijing will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and will feature 26 global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, setting the stage for an unprecedented trio of geopolitical heavyweights to convene.

Journey to the Chinese Capitol

Kim's train crossed into China in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to the North's state-controlled Rodong Sinmun newspaper. Officials from North Korea's ruling party and governmental bodies are accompanying the leader on this pivotal visit, highlighting the importance of this trip.

Strengthening Alliances

This visit comes on the heels of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, where Xi and Putin jointly criticized Western dominance in global affairs. Amid increasing isolation, North Korea has significantly strengthened its ties with China and Russia, relying on them for economic support and diplomatic backing.

Deepening Ties with Russia

In recent years, North Korea has cozyed up to Moscow, even sending thousands of troops to aid Putin's military efforts in Ukraine. While Kim Jong Un rarely ventures outside his homeland, he has met with Xi Jinping five times since assuming power in 2011, the last being in 2019 during a celebration of China-North Korea relations.

A Historic Reunion?

Kim has also held three meetings with Putin, the latest of which was in June 2024, resulting in a significant mutual defense treaty. As these leaders gather in Beijing, the world watches closely to see what alliances and agreements might emerge from this powerful convergence.