China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today that 26 foreign leaders, including North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, will attend a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan at Tiananmen Square on 3/9.

North Korea's Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed Kim's upcoming visit to China for the parade at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. However, the agency did not specify Kim's departure date or the duration of his stay.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks at an event in Pyongyang on 14/8. Photo: KCNA

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks at an event in Pyongyang on 14/8. Photo: KCNA

This will be Kim's first visit to China since 2019 and his first time attending such an event. At the most recent military parade commemorating the victory over Japan in China in 2015, North Korea sent high-ranking official Choe Ryong-hae.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Kim's presence signifies a new high in the relationship between the two countries. China has long been North Korea's largest trading partner. In 2023, China accounted for approximately 97% of North Korea's foreign trade.

Alongside Kim Jong-un, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezashkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik will also attend the event.

The 70-minute ceremony will feature 45 formations. The Chinese military is expected to showcase a range of equipment, including hypersonic weapons, trucks with drone interception systems, next-generation tanks, and early warning aircraft for carrier strike groups.

"All weapons and equipment in this parade are selected from domestic systems in service, most of which are appearing for the first time," said Wu Zeke, deputy commander of the parade.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters, AP, SCMP)