North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Beijing with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, to attend China’s largest-ever military parade, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War Two.
Kim crossed into China on Tuesday aboard his armoured train, which is reported to contain conference rooms, bedrooms and dining facilities serving fine wines and fresh lobster. He was met at Beijing Railway Station by senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in what North Korea’s state media described as a “warm atmosphere”.
This is the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade since 1959. Kim will join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and 26 other world leaders, including those from Myanmar, Iran and Cuba, in Tiananmen Square.
Tens of thousands of Chinese troops are expected to march in formation during Wednesday’s 70-minute parade, which will also showcase hundreds of aircraft, tanks and China’s new anti-drone systems. The event underscores Beijing’s efforts to strengthen ties with regional allies and partners, even as most Western leaders boycott due to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Kim’s daughter, widely believed by South Korea’s intelligence service to be his most likely successor, has become a frequent presence alongside him since her first public appearance in 2022. Her presence on such a significant international stage is likely to fuel further speculation about North Korea’s dynastic succession planning.
Kim’s attendance marks an upgrade from 2015, when Pyongyang sent senior official Choe Ryong-hae to the last Victory Day parade. His trip also continues a family tradition: both Kim’s father and grandfather used specially equipped trains for international travel.
The North Korean leader last visited Beijing in 2019 for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. His presence at this year’s parade highlights both the deepening ties between Beijing and Pyongyang and the shifting global alliances taking shape amid the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.