Kim Jong Un’s Grand Tour: First Stop, Beijing

Kim Jong Un’s return to international travel will begin with a grand tour, with his first stop being Beijing. The North Korean leader will visit the Chinese capital next week to attend a military parade on Wednesday celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The event, hosted by President Xi Jinping, will also feature Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is being snubbed by Western leaders, who are protesting Putin’s presence, highlighting the deep rifts in global diplomacy.
This trip is Kim’s first outside his country since 2019, and its primary purpose is to reaffirm ties with his most critical ally. China’s economic support is essential for North Korea’s survival, and this visit is a key part of maintaining that relationship.
The gathering in Beijing is also a strategic display. By appearing with both Xi and Putin, Kim is signaling a clear alignment with an anti-Western bloc, a move that will have significant implications for regional and global security.