Is North Korea's Kim Set to Make Waves in China?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
North Korea's Kim Jong-un is making headlines as he embarks on a train journey to China for a military parade, marking his first foray into multilateral diplomacy. This historic move could lead to a groundbreaking summit with Putin and Xi. What could this mean for international relations?
Key Takeaways
- Kim Jong-un is making his first appearance on the multilateral diplomatic stage.
- The military parade in Beijing commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
- Kim's journey to Beijing is expected to last 20 to 24 hours.
- A potential trilateral summit with Putin and Xi could take place.
- Kim will stay at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.
Seoul, Sep 1 (NationPress) Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, departed from Pyongyang on Monday afternoon via train, according to a source familiar with the situation. He is anticipated to make his first appearance on the multilateral diplomatic stage at a military parade in Beijing.
This event marks a significant milestone for Kim, who has been in power since late 2011, as it will be his inaugural attendance at a multilateral diplomatic gathering. His grandfather, Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, participated in a military parade in Beijing back in 1959.
Kim's attendance at the parade on Wednesday could pave the way for a historic three-way summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
The journey to Beijing is expected to take between 20 to 24 hours, with Kim projected to arrive by Tuesday afternoon.
China is set to host a 70-minute military parade on Wednesday, highlighting its latest military equipment and troops in formation, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which China marks as a victory over Japan.
Kim is likely to cross the North Korea-China border on Monday night and will stay at Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where he has resided during three of his previous four visits to China.
Prior to his anticipated departure, Kim inspected a newly established missile production line at a significant munitions factory, assessing the country’s missile capabilities and future prospects, as reported by state media.
Kim and Putin, along with state leaders from 26 foreign nations, will attend the military parade at Tiananmen Square on Wednesday, marking the North Korean leader's inaugural appearance on the multilateral diplomatic scene.
During the upcoming parade, Kim is expected to sit to the left of Xi, with Putin to Xi's right, according to a Kremlin official.
Should a trilateral summit take place between Kim, Xi, and Putin, it would be the first meeting of the leaders from these countries, which have maintained close ties since the Cold War.
Point of View
It is crucial to follow the developments surrounding Kim Jong-un's visit to China with an unbiased lens. This event marks a pivotal moment in North Korea's diplomatic relations and could reshape interactions between key global players. The Nation must remain vigilant and engaged in understanding these dynamics as they unfold.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Kim's visit to China?
Kim's visit marks his first participation in a multilateral diplomatic event, potentially opening new avenues for dialogue with Russia and China.
What is the military parade commemorating?
The military parade in Beijing is held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which China commemorates as a victory over Japan.
How long is Kim's journey expected to take?
Kim's journey to Beijing is expected to take between 20 to 24 hours.
Who will Kim be seated with during the parade?
During the parade, Kim is expected to sit to the left of Xi Jinping, with Vladimir Putin seated to Xi's right.
Could there be a trilateral summit during Kim's visit?
Yes, there is a possibility of a trilateral summit involving Kim, Xi, and Putin, which would mark a significant diplomatic meeting.
