SEOUL, September 1, 2025 – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un departed Pyongyang on Monday aboard his signature armoured train to attend a high-profile military parade in Beijing — marking his first participation in a major multilateral diplomatic event.
The parade, slated for Wednesday, commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan’s formal surrender at the end of World War II. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended the invitation, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend.
Kim is anticipated to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday after an overnight journey. The methodical nature of his travel—a bulletproof, armoured train crawling at around 60 km/h—reflects his enduring preference for security and control during rare foreign trips.
This journey revives a long-standing tradition: his father and grandfather also relied exclusively on armoured trains for overseas travel. These mobile fortresses offer luxurious, secure accommodations—complete with bedrooms, offices, medical quarters, and even dining areas—where Kim can work and meet en route.
Security and logistics surrounding the train’s border crossing reflect meticulous planning. While traveling to Russia requires a change in wheel configurations due to different rail gauges, the transition into China is smoother; Chinese locomotives typically haul the train after the border.
Ahead of his departure, Kim inspected a new missile production facility in Jagang province near the Chinese border. State media reported that the visit showcased boosted missile readiness, part of North Korea’s strategy to ramp up weapons output amid expanding ties with China and Russia.
Kim’s rare foreign appearance is widely interpreted as an effort to reinforce strategic alliances. Analysts argue his attendance sends a clear signal of alignment with Beijing and Moscow at a time when Pyongyang is expanding its footprint in global affairs, even as diplomacy with Washington remains stalled.
South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker, Woo Won-shik, will also attend the event, though it’s uncertain whether bilateral talks between him and Kim will occur. Observers will watch closely for possible sideline meetings between Kim, Xi, and Putin—potentially signaling a new era in East Asian geopolitical dynamics.
