Beijing, China — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to make a notable appearance at a military parade in Beijing next week, marking his first significant engagement with international leaders since the pandemic. The event, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan and the conclusion of World War Two, is poised to draw attention from global observers.

Among the 26 heads of state anticipated at the event is Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will join Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping in a display that highlights both military might and diplomatic connections. The parade is expected to showcase China’s latest defense technologies, including a variety of aircraft, tanks, and advanced anti-drone systems, marking a significant presentation of the nation’s military capabilities.

The meticulously organized event will feature tens of thousands of military personnel marching through Tiananmen Square, including soldiers from 45 groups within the Chinese armed forces along with war veterans. The 70-minute display is anticipated to hold the attention of analysts and Western governments scrutinizing developments in the region.

During a recent press briefing, China’s foreign ministry lauded its relationship with North Korea, emphasizing a shared commitment to regional peace and stability. The invitation extended to Kim represents a diplomatic elevation compared to the last Victory Day celebration in 2015, when a senior North Korean official attended.

Kim’s presence at the parade provides a notable photo opportunity alongside fellow leaders Putin and Xi, signaling solidarity among the nations at a time when geopolitical tensions are high. This event occurs amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate peace with Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while he has also expressed interest in reconvening with Kim.

The timing of the parade is critical; with discussions of a potential U.S.-China summit brewing, Xi will enter any dialogue informed by his discussions with both Kim and Putin. This positioning underscores China’s attempt to assert its influence in international affairs.

Historically, Kim has rarely traveled abroad, with his last visit to Beijing occurring in 2019. The North Korean leader notably frequented China in 2018, underscoring his efforts to bolster relations during that period.

Western leaders are generally expected to boycott the parade due to geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Russia’s role in Ukraine. Additionally, Japan has previously urged allies to abstain from attending, citing concerns about anti-Japanese sentiments associated with the event.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who has been invited, has yet to confirm his attendance, creating uncertainty over a possible meeting between the leaders of the two Koreas since their ties deteriorated in 2019. While Lee has shown a willingness to engage with Kim, the North has consistently rejected his overtures, even characterizing him as a “confrontational maniac” in state media.

If Lee decides to attend, the stakes are high, as any public snub from Kim could lead to significant diplomatic fallout for South Korea. With Lee having recently called for strengthened ties with China, attending the parade may further complicate his administration’s position regionally.

As both countries navigate these intricate relationships, the implications of Kim’s attendance at the parade will undoubtedly ripple across the political landscape in East Asia and beyond.