After years of relative seclusion, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is stepping back into the international spotlight with a landmark visit to China. He will travel to Beijing next week for a military parade on Wednesday, his first trip abroad since 2019.
The parade, marking the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end, will be a major geopolitical event. It will feature Russian President Vladimir Putin but will be snubbed by Western leaders, a protest that highlights the deep divisions in global affairs.
This trip is a critical one for Kim, who needs to maintain a strong relationship with his country’s primary economic and political backer. The visit is a clear signal of his intent to prioritize and strengthen the North Korea-China alliance.
The visit also showcases North Korea’s evolving role in a new global alignment. By appearing with both Xi and Putin, Kim is cementing his position within a growing bloc of nations that are actively challenging U.S. leadership.