North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in Beijing next week, China's foreign ministry has confirmed - an event believed to be his first major international meeting with other leaders.
The so-called Victory Day parade will commemorate the 80th anniversary of China's conflict with Japan and the end of World War Two.
Among the world leaders expected to join him is Russia's President Vladimir Putin, ahead of recent claims from US leader Donald Trump expressing a desire to meet Kim again.
China plans to showcase its latest military technologies, including a range of aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems, marking the first display of its new military structure at a public event.
The meticulously organized parade will feature tens of thousands of military personnel marching through Tiananmen Square, including soldiers from 45 divisions of the Chinese armed forces along with war veterans.
President Xi Jinping will oversee the 70-minute celebratory event, which analysts and foreign governments will be keen to observe closely.
In a statement from China's foreign ministry, Beijing commended its long-standing traditional friendship with North Korea and affirmed the importance of continued collaboration for regional peace and stability.
Kim's participation signals a noticeable upgrade from the last Victory Day parade in China, held in 2015, during which North Korea was represented by a lower-ranking official.
Keen to make a statement, Kim's appearance beside leaders like Putin and Xi creates a notable diplomatic image.
As the geopolitical situation develops, the visit’s timing may prove crucial, especially as Trump indicates he could also be in the region soon for potential diplomatic discussions with Xi.
This visit will be Kim's first to Beijing since 2019, highlighting its significance in the dynamics of international diplomacy, particularly following repeated outreach from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to engage with Kim and further enhance relations with China.
However, there are still tensions, as North Korea criticized Lee, describing him as a confrontational maniac just a day prior to the parade invitation. There’s uncertainty around whether Lee will attend, presenting both a potential leadership rapprochement and the risk of embarrassment should Kim ignore him.
