North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to attend a military parade in Beijing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in what analysts are calling one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings in recent years.
The September 3 parade, marking 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War Two, will showcase China’s military strength. Yet, the presence of Kim and Putin alongside Xi transforms it into a far more powerful image — a display of Beijing’s influence at the heart of global geopolitics.
For Xi, the event represents a major diplomatic victory. China has sought to project itself as not only the world’s second-largest economy but also a central player in shaping international affairs. As trade tensions with Washington simmer and negotiations over tariffs and technology continue, Xi is positioning himself as a leader capable of convening some of the world’s most controversial figures.
Kim’s appearance is especially notable. The last time a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade was in 1959. While relations between Beijing and Pyongyang had appeared strained in recent years, with Kim growing closer to Putin, the visit underscores North Korea’s reliance on China — which provides nearly 90% of its food imports — and signals that ties remain intact.
The timing is also politically sensitive. US President Donald Trump has expressed renewed interest in meeting Kim, after previous summits ended without progress on North Korea’s nuclear programme. Trump is expected to travel to the region later this year, raising the prospect of a potential meeting with Xi at a critical moment in trade talks.
By hosting both Putin and Kim, Xi strengthens his leverage in any future negotiations with Washington. He can claim influence over two leaders who remain at odds with the West, potentially offering Trump something few others could: a role in brokering progress on North Korea or even in nudging Moscow toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.
“Being on that stage with Xi and Putin gives Kim legitimacy and underscores China’s centrality in regional diplomacy,” said one Beijing-based analyst. “It’s a message to Washington that China cannot be ignored.”
China has maintained a careful balancing act over the war in Ukraine, urging peace talks while facing accusations from the US and its allies of quietly supporting Russia’s military effort. By aligning more visibly with both Putin and Kim, Xi signals that Beijing is willing to deepen ties even as it negotiates with Washington over tariffs, technology restrictions, and the fate of apps like TikTok.
Whether the parade will lead to concrete diplomatic breakthroughs remains uncertain. But the image of Xi flanked by Putin and Kim will resonate globally — and with Trump preparing for his own potential meetings in the region, the question looms: could all four leaders eventually gather at the same table?
