Beijing: North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has embarked on a significant diplomatic visit, setting the stage for high-profile meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kim's journey to China by train marks a pivotal moment in North Korea's international engagements this week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Jong-un's agenda includes attending a military parade in Beijing, where he is expected to stand alongside Putin and Xi. The visit underscores North Korea's defiance against Western powers and its intent to strengthen alliances with Russia and China. Notably, Kim inspected a new missile-producing factory ahead of this visit, signaling North Korea's interest in advancing its military capabilities, including potential developments in multiple-warhead missile technology.
During his visit, Kim Jong-un has been involved in bilateral discussions with Putin, focusing on long-term cooperation plans between North Korea and Russia. The North Korean leader also extended an invitation to the Belarusian president to visit Pyongyang, further illustrating his diplomatic outreach efforts. Moreover, Kim's itinerary includes an 'in-depth' summit with Xi Jinping, as confirmed by China's foreign ministry.
In a separate development, North Korea's domestic media has reported on Kim's arrival in Beijing, though there was no mention of his daughter's presence, who is rumored to accompany him on this trip. The visit follows a series of strategic moves by North Korea, including the deployment of troops to Russia and the inspection of a lab for a new solid-fuel ICBM engine.
The diplomatic mission coincides with a period of heightened tensions, as North Korea recently condemned a joint statement by Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo targeting its cyber threats. In a move perceived as a peace overture, South Korea has halted radio broadcasts into North Korea.
The visit also comes as Kim Jong-un joins a lavish reception alongside Putin and Xi in Beijing, showcasing the close ties between the three nations. Additionally, Putin sent a congratulatory message to North Korea ahead of its founding anniversary, while Vietnam's leader expressed hopes to meet Kim in a similar message.