Kim Jong Un's Historic Journey: Attending China's Victory Day Parade
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reported to have departed Pyongyang for China to attend a military parade in Beijing. The "Victory Day" parade, scheduled for Wednesday, will be Kim's first multilateral international meeting, where he will join other world leaders like China's President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Kim's journey to Beijing is on an armored train equipped with luxurious amenities, including a restaurant car serving French wines and lobster dishes. The slow-moving train is expected to take up to 24 hours for Kim to reach his destination.
Kim's attendance at the parade marks a significant event as it is the first time a North Korean leader has participated in a Chinese military parade since 1959. He will be among 26 other heads of states from countries like Myanmar, Iran, and Cuba. Kim's rare international travels have been limited, with his recent interactions with world leaders mainly with Putin, whom he has met twice since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His visit to Beijing in 2019 for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties also involved a train journey, continuing a tradition started by his grandfather, Kim Il Sung.
The armored train that Kim is traveling on reportedly consists of around 90 carriages, including various facilities like conference rooms, audience chambers, and bedrooms. The upcoming parade in Beijing will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two and showcase China's latest military capabilities, including aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems. While most Western leaders are not expected to attend due to the situation in Ukraine, leaders from Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam will be present, highlighting China's efforts to strengthen ties in the region.
In conclusion, Kim Jong Un's visit to China for the Victory Day parade signifies a rare international appearance for the North Korean leader and marks an important moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The parade in Beijing will not only commemorate historical events but also showcase China's military prowess and its efforts to strengthen regional partnerships.