Post by : Minna

Just days after former US President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again, Pyongyang made its own clear statement. North Korea announced that Kim Jong Un will travel to China to attend the Victory Day military parade on September 3. At the event, he will join Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with other world leaders, in a rare public display of international diplomacy.

This trip is highly significant for North Korea. For the first time since Kim took power 14 years ago, he will appear on a multilateral diplomatic stage. This is not just a ceremonial visit; it is a strong signal to the United States, South Korea, and other global powers that North Korea has grown more confident and influential. The last time a North Korean leader attended a military parade in China was in 1959, making this appearance historically important.

A Strong Message to the World

Kim Jong Un’s presence at the parade is sending a clear message. By standing alongside world leaders, he is demonstrating that North Korea is no longer the isolated country it once was. During the nuclear talks with Donald Trump several years ago, North Korea appeared to be seeking concessions. Today, analysts say, North Korea shows a stronger, more self-assured posture.

Experts believe that this visit is meant to display North Korea’s growing influence in global diplomacy. Dr. Victor Cha, a Korea expert, commented that China might view this as an opportunity to re-engage with Kim after years of limited contact. A friendly reception from China could strategically place Kim in a position where both Russia and China compete for his favor, further strengthening his diplomatic standing.

North Korea and Russia: A Strategic Alliance

One of the most notable aspects of this visit is the clear alliance between North Korea and Russia. Over the past few years, Kim Jong Un has become a key supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. North Korea has reportedly provided support to Russia, including military assistance, which has helped Moscow maintain its fighting strength on the ground.

This growing partnership between North Korea and Russia has important implications. It allows North Korea to strengthen its military, maintain regime stability, and develop nuclear capabilities with fewer international constraints. Observers worry that this alliance could further shift the balance of power in the region, giving Kim more leverage in international negotiations.

Reactions from South Korea and the United States

The announcement of Kim’s visit to China comes amid growing concern in South Korea and the United States. During a summit meeting on August 25, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the acceleration of North Korea’s nuclear program over the past years. He urged Donald Trump to take a personal role in engaging Pyongyang, stressing that only the former US President could make meaningful progress with Kim.

Despite some openness toward dialogue with the United States, North Korea has largely dismissed efforts by South Korea to improve relations. Pyongyang criticized President Lee’s call for denuclearization as a “naive dream” and indicated that any meaningful progress would require direct engagement with the US rather than South Korea. This underscores North Korea’s continued preference for dealing with the United States on its own terms, rather than regional intermediaries.

Strategic Implications of the Visit

North Korea’s upcoming trip to China sends a broader strategic message. By appearing on an international stage alongside Russia and China, Kim Jong Un is signaling that he can rally powerful allies and influence the calculations of global powers. Analysts note that this visit may not be a prelude to renewed talks with the United States, but rather a demonstration of North Korea’s independence and growing influence.

Historically, visits like this have sometimes preceded diplomatic engagement with the US, but current circumstances suggest that Kim’s primary aim is to showcase North Korea’s strengthened position. The visit allows Kim to project power, leverage his growing nuclear capabilities, and send a warning to Washington that North Korea will set the terms of any future negotiations.

The Historical Significance

Kim Jong Un's attendance at China’s military parade is historically remarkable. Since 1959, no North Korean leader has participated in such a major event in China. This highlights the deepening relationship between Pyongyang and Beijing. Analysts say that China may see this visit as an opportunity to build a stronger connection with North Korea while balancing its own regional interests.

At the same time, the trip demonstrates North Korea’s ambition to assert itself on the global stage. It shows that the country is no longer limited to secretive or isolated diplomacy and is ready to display its military and political strength openly. The combination of alliances with Russia and engagement with China positions Kim Jong Un as a leader who can navigate complex international dynamics while maintaining a strong domestic position.

What This Means for Diplomacy

The world will be closely watching Kim Jong Un’s visit to China for several reasons. First, it provides a clear signal of North Korea’s growing strategic independence. Second, it strengthens the perception that Pyongyang has multiple powerful allies, giving Kim greater leverage in potential talks with the United States. Finally, it highlights the increasing complexity of regional diplomacy, as countries like South Korea and Japan seek to protect their security interests amid shifting alliances.

While North Korea’s engagement with China and Russia does not automatically indicate a return to US-led talks, it sets the stage for potential future negotiations. The decision ultimately lies with Kim Jong Un, who has demonstrated that he is willing to use international diplomacy strategically to enhance his position.

Kim Jong Un’s attendance at China’s Victory Day military parade is more than a ceremonial visit. It represents North Korea’s growing confidence, its closer ties with Russia, and its intention to play global powers against each other. By appearing alongside Putin and other world leaders, Kim sends a clear message: North Korea is stronger, more independent, and capable of influencing global diplomacy.

Kim Jong Un, North Korea, Russia, China, military parade, international diplomacy