Kim Jong Un to Take Part in Beijing Military Parade - First Multilateral Public Outing in Six Years

In a significant move that signals a rare break from years of North Korea's isolation, the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, is scheduled to attend a major military parade in Beijing on September 3. The event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, will take place in the heart of China and will be attended by leaders such as President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Kim Jong Un's attendance marks his first international public appearance at a multilateral event since assuming power. Analysts view this move as a calculated one, aimed at reasserting North Korea's relevance on the world stage. The geopolitical pushback against the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific alliance is evident in this gathering, as Kim's attendance can be seen as a defiance of Western pressure amid mounting tensions with Western powers.

The military parade will showcase tens of thousands of troops and cutting-edge weaponry, including hypersonic missiles. This display of North Korea's military might underscores the growing strategic alignment among Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang. The gathering of these leaders underscores the deepening ties among the three nations, with Kim's attendance also seen as a move to strengthen alliances with his closest partners.

Besides North Korea and China, only Slovakia from Europe participated in the military parade. Other European countries largely stayed away, reflecting the growing strategic alignment among the three nations. The parade is part of a demonstration of solidarity and martial power between North Korea, China, and Russia.

The event lays the groundwork for potential diplomatic dialogues ahead. As Kim Jong Un stands alongside the leaders of China and Russia, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The timing of the event is strategic, occurring in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

There is escalating cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including arms transfers and technical exchanges. This cooperation is evident in the parade, where North Korea will display its military prowess. The parade in Tiananmen Square will undoubtedly be a spectacle, a testament to the growing alliance between these three nations.