Putin, Xi, and Kim to Attend Military Parade in China
In a significant show of unity, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to attend a major military parade in Beijing next week according to announcements from North Korean and Chinese state media.
Background
The event, scheduled for September 3, is a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and will mark the formal surrender of Japan. It is expected to draw 26 foreign heads of state and government. The notable exception from the EU will be Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Beijing has tightened security across the city in anticipation of the event, with measures impacting public transport and postal services. This will be Kim Jong Un's first visit to China in over six years and is being viewed as a significant diplomatic gesture.
Key Developments
Kim's attendance at the Victory Day parade comes days after US President Trump expressed a desire to meet with the North Korean leader. This marks the first time the reclusive leader will attend a multilateral meeting with international leaders. Since taking power in 2011, Kim has made just ten such visits, with China being his most frequent destination.
The inclusion of Putin and Kim alongside Xi is seen as a collective show of defiance amid western pressure. It is noteworthy that no other Western leaders will be among the attendees, sparking discussions about the geopolitical implications of the event.
Implications and Reactions
The gathering of the three leaders at the parade has been interpreted as a diplomatic demonstration towards the West, particularly the United States. The parade is seen as a significant platform for the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea to demonstrate their unity against Western pressures.
According to Al Jazeera, the event in Tiananmen Square will be overseen by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The BBC suggests that the assembly of North Korea and Russia's leaders at China's military parade signifies a win for Xi.
Current Status
As the event approaches, all eyes will be on the interactions between Putin, Xi, and Kim, given their nations' complex relationships with the West. The event is a rare one, marked by heightened security and anticipation. It remains to be seen how the West will react to this show of unity among three of its most prominent challengers on the international stage.