Beijing

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing by his signature armoured train—often dubbed a “moving fortress”—to attend China’s grandest military parade on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He joined Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a rare moment of togetherness among three leaders known for challenging U.S.-led global structures.

A powerful display of unity

This military parade commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II and is intended as a powerful statement—projecting China’s military capabilities and diplomatic leadership among alternative, non-Western powers. Analysts have described the gathering of Kim, Xi, and Putin as the “fiercest show of unity.”

High-profile attendees and symbolism

In addition to Kim and Putin, prominent leaders expected to attend include Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian and Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing. Their collective presence has been referred to as the forming of an “axis of upheaval”—a bloc symbolising defiance of Western dominance.

Military spectacle and narrative control

The parade showcased China’s advanced weaponry, such as hypersonic missiles, drones, and cutting-edge military technologies. Beyond demonstrating power, the event is part of an orchestrated “memory war,” reframing World War II history to emphasise China’s suffering and resilience, while downplaying Western roles.

First multilateral appearance by Kim

For Kim Jong Un, this marks his first major multilateral engagement in 14 years of leadership and his first visit to China since 2019. South Korea’s intelligence suggests he may stand alongside Xi and Putin on the parade podium, and likely engage in bilateral or even trilateral meetings.

Strategic and geopolitical implications

This demonstration isn’t just military pageantry—it underscores China’s ambition to lead a multipolar global order. By hosting sanctioned peers and projecting military readiness, Xi aims to undermine U.S. influence and assert China as the centrepiece of a non-Western alliance. Kim’s participation provides him with rare international visibility and legitimises North Korea’s strategic posture.