Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stood alongside Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping at a military parade in Beijing, marking a historic gathering of the three leaders for the first time in 66 years.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the event showcased a strong display of solidarity among North Korea, Russia, and China, highlighting their unified stance against Western powers led by the United States. The leaders were seen at the viewing gallery of Tiananmen Square, with Kim dressed in a black suit and gold tie, standing between Putin and Xi as the parade commenced.
The meeting marked the first convergence of these leaders since 1959, when North Korean founder Kim Il-sung, Chinese founder Mao Zedong, and former Soviet Union Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev attended a similar event. This gathering sends a powerful message to the world about their trilateral alliance in opposition to the U.S.-led global order.
The parade underscored China's growing influence as it seeks to challenge U.S. dominance, with Xi Jinping asserting China's commitment to peaceful development and international cooperation. However, the event also highlighted the increasing alignment of North Korea, China, and Russia against the trilateral partnership of Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo.
U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media, describing the parade as a conspiracy against the U.S., addressing Xi directly in his message. Meanwhile, Kim's participation was seen as his debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage, representing an effort to restore ties with China and move away from his isolated image.
The trilateral meeting comes at a time when Kim has been strengthening military ties with Russia, particularly in support of Moscow's conflict in Ukraine. However, the shifting dynamics in international relations may prompt Kim to turn back to China for diplomatic and economic support once the war concludes.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service assessed that Kim's visit aimed to bolster North Korea-China relations and secure economic assistance from Beijing to support his regime. This move could also enhance Kim's leverage in potential future negotiations with the U.S.
The event was attended by South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, representing President Lee Jae Myung. Woo reportedly exchanged handshakes with Kim before the parade. Following the reception, Kim held a summit with Putin, expressing his commitment to supporting Russia.
Kim's visit to Beijing was marked by his arrival aboard a private armored train, accompanied by his daughter, Ju-ae, and his sister, Kim Yo-jong, indicating the significance of the visit within North Korea's ruling circle.