In a significant diplomatic move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has crossed into China by train, paving the way for his participation in a high-profile military parade commemorating Japan's surrender in World War II. This event, set to take place in Beijing, marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the global conflict.

Kim is among 26 world leaders set to attend the parade—an unprecedented moment as he, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will gather at the same venue for the first time.

Reports from the state-controlled Rodong Sinmun indicate that Kim's train crossed the North Korea-China border in the early hours of Tuesday. He is accompanied by several high-ranking officials from the Workers’ Party of Korea and the North Korean government.

This visit comes shortly after the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where Xi and Putin criticized Western dominance in global affairs. Experts, including Jenny Town from 38 North, emphasize that this marks Kim's first engagement with multiple world leaders and represents a pivotal diplomatic opportunity. Town notes that this elevates Kim's status in an ever-changing global landscape and reinforces North Korea's alliance with China and Russia against Western powers.

North Korea, one of the world's most isolated nations, has historically depended on China and Russia for economic and diplomatic lifelines. Since coming to power in 2011, Kim has met Xi five times, with their last encounter in 2019 during the commemoration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between their countries. His meetings with Putin have been equally significant, with the most recent occurring in June 2024 when they signed a mutual defense treaty.

The relationship between North Korea and Russia has intensified, particularly with regards to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Recent reports from South Korea's National Intelligence Service suggest that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers deployed in support of Russia have lost their lives in the conflict. Initial reports indicated a death toll of at least 600, but updated assessments reveal a staggering jump.

It’s estimated that North Korea has sent over 10,000 troops to assist Russian forces, mainly in the strategically significant Kursk region. Plans are also underway to deploy an additional 6,000 soldiers and engineers, with about 1,000 already confirmed to have arrived.

In an unprecedented public acknowledgment, North Korea has confirmed the deployment of its troops to assist Russia and has mourned the losses suffered. Recently, Kim met with the families of fallen soldiers, expressing his condolences and vowing to support their loved ones. State media reported that he expressed heartfelt remorse over the tragedies, promising to care for and train the children of the deceased as future fighters for their country’s honor.