Kim Jong-Un Set For Multilateral Debut In China

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will take his first step onto the multilateral diplomatic stage this week by attending a military parade in Beijing. His visit could pave the way for a potential three-way summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Since assuming power in late 2011, Kim has not attended any multilateral diplomatic events. His grandfather and North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung, participated in a military parade in Beijing in 1959.

Kim’s decision to attend China’s military parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, follows statements from South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and US President Donald Trump expressing willingness to resume diplomacy with North Korea during their summit in Washington.

Analysts suggest Kim’s attendance signals his reluctance to engage directly with South Korea or the United States.

Strengthening Ties with Russia and China

Kim and Putin, who have held bilateral summits, have deepened military cooperation, including Pyongyang sending troops and weapons to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.

North Korea’s state media reported that Kim finalised troop deployment decisions on August 28 last year.

Russian media noted that Kim, Putin, and Xi will attend the military parade at Tiananmen Square on September 3. A Kremlin official stated that Kim will sit to Xi’s left, while Putin will sit to Xi’s right.

Analysts believe Kim may travel to China via his forest green train rather than using ‘Chammae-1’, his private plane previously used for long-distance domestic trips. The train journey would take approximately 20 hours.

Strategic Positioning and Diplomatic Significance

In a 2023 speech, Kim referenced a ‘new Cold War’ and emphasised North Korea’s intent for ‘anti-US solidarity’, hinting at a strategy to counterbalance the United States and its allies.

Experts say Kim is likely using the China trip to mend ties with Beijing and strengthen North Korea-China-Russia solidarity ahead of potential negotiations with the US.

Since last year, North Korea has aligned closely with Moscow, providing military support in Ukraine and relying on Russia for rare resources and assistance.

This alignment strained relations with Beijing, but signs of improvement have emerged, including Choe Ryong-hae, chairman of North Korea’s parliamentary standing committee, attending a recent Chinese Embassy reception in Pyongyang.

Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said, “Kim’s trip demonstrates his intent to strengthen North Korea-China, North Korea-Russia, and North Korea-China-Russia solidarity to counter Western countries, all of which face sanctions.”

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