Earlier this week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un started a historic visit to China. It was his first trip to the country in six years due to the pandemic. Their meeting was held in the context of the 80th anniversary celebrations of the end of World War II. The lively festivities made for a powerful, unexpected backdrop for their conversation. This rare trip outside North Korea carries considerable implications for international relations, particularly amid escalating tensions with the United States.
Initially, Kim’s arrival in Beijing by armored train on Tuesday was not confirmed. This mode of travel has become a defining feature of his leadership style. His trip extended even further, with his attendance at a military parade that featured such other VIP foreign leaders as Russian President Vladimir Putin. In addition, 26 foreign leaders attended the event. It offered an exciting canvas for debates on international political struggle and military collaboration.
The most important step taken by Kim was taking his very young daughter with him to China. This appointment fueled intense speculation nationally and internationally about her potential future leadership role in North Korea. Observers noted that this gesture may indicate Kim’s intent to groom her as his successor, highlighting a generational shift in North Korea’s leadership dynamics.
Kim’s attendance at the military parade and subsequent talks with Xi Jinping underscore his efforts to restore ties with China, North Korea’s primary trading partner and aid provider. This alignment between policy advocacy and organizing is deeply significant. Over the past couple of years, Kim has focused his foreign policy initiatives on establishing closer relations with Russia. His support for Russia during its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which includes sending combat troops and ammunition, has raised eyebrows internationally.
Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin jointly appeared at the Victory Day parade. This has fueled rumors of a possible alliance between their countries to resist U.S. influence and pressure. That’s why many analysts are calling Kim’s visit a masterful strategic play. It’s intended to increase the Prime Minister’s leverage during negotiations with American President Donald Trump.
“The President of the United States is not without a sense of humor,” – Vladimir Putin
The connections between these leaders are deepening. It remains to be seen whether Kim has created a lasting and dependable three-way alliance with China and Russia. It doesn’t matter—so far he’s been very active engaging with both countries on a military and economic front. His approach has not yet forged a clear coalition, indeed with separate U.S.
Kim’s visit coincides with high North Korea-U.S. tensions. Until last year, he was completely dependent on Russia for military assistance. This dependence has spurred fears of a power imbalance in the region. His forthcoming trip to China serves to reestablish his foothold on that island amid the ongoing shifting Asian geopolitical landscape. He expects to continue building on these relationships in future conversations with Washington.
As the world watches these developments closely, Kim Jong Un’s actions in China will likely shape the trajectory of North Korea’s foreign policy in the coming months. The significance of his joint appearance with Xi and Putin at such a high-profile event cannot be understated. It signals an intent to unify against perceived external threats.
