Kim Jong-un confirmed his visit to China. With less than a week left in the 1993 military parade, the attendance list of foreign leaders has been confirmed. On August 28th, China announced that 26 foreign heads of state and government will be invited to attend the 1993 military parade. Among them, the most eye-catching ones are Putin and Kim Jong-un, who came to China to attend the commemorative activities in person.
The 93 military parade is scheduled to be held on September 3, 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War. A week before the event, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the list of foreign leaders on August 28th, and 26 heads of state and government confirmed their attendance, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Vietnamese President. This list was officially released through a press conference, and the spokesman stressed that all parties are welcome to participate, highlighting the historical commemorative significance. Putin's attendance continues the tradition of close cooperation between Russia and China. Earlier, the Kremlin has expressed its importance to this trip and regarded it as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations.
Kim Jong-un’s decision has been highlighted, with few visits since he took office in 2011, but China is the exception. In 2018 he visited China three times, and in 2019 again, to discuss economic aid and regional affairs. This time he returned to Beijing six years later, and it was also the first time he participated in such large multilateral activities, showing the importance of China and North Korea’s relations. China and North Korea, as neighbors, were jointly affected by Japanese aggression during the Second World War, and the anti-Japanese armed forces had worked together. During the 1950s Korean War, China provided support and further strengthened the ties between the two countries. These historical factors made Kim Jong-un’s presence seem convenient.
Preparations for the event have entered the final stage. Beijing has strengthened security and relevant venues have been deployed. The parade will showcase military strength and historical review, and is expected to include a troop review and equipment display. Although Kim Jong-un's itinerary has not been announced in detail, he is expected to arrive on September 1 or 2 and may meet with Chinese leaders to exchange views on hot issues. Putin's participation adds an international dimension, and the three countries interact or promote economic, trade and security cooperation. Compared with the 70th anniversary military parade in 2015, Kim Jong-un did not attend at that time and sent a senior official, Cui Yonghai, to personally report the changes in the diplomatic environment.
In this list, other participants, such as the King of Cambodia, the President of Laos, etc., covered many countries in Asia, reflecting China’s diplomatic influence. The activities aimed at promoting peaceful dialogue and avoiding escalation of confrontation. Kim Jong Un may use the opportunity to consolidate the friendship between China and the DPRK, seeking more economic support, in the face of the pressure of Western sanctions. Overall, this parade is not only a military demonstration, but also a geopolitical platform, and the moves of the parties are worth observing.
The 93 military parade is scheduled to be held on September 3, 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War. A week before the event, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the list of foreign leaders on August 28th, and 26 heads of state and government confirmed their attendance, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Vietnamese President. This list was officially released through a press conference, and the spokesman stressed that all parties are welcome to participate, highlighting the historical commemorative significance. Putin's attendance continues the tradition of close cooperation between Russia and China. Earlier, the Kremlin has expressed its importance to this trip and regarded it as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations.
Kim Jong-un’s decision has been highlighted, with few visits since he took office in 2011, but China is the exception. In 2018 he visited China three times, and in 2019 again, to discuss economic aid and regional affairs. This time he returned to Beijing six years later, and it was also the first time he participated in such large multilateral activities, showing the importance of China and North Korea’s relations. China and North Korea, as neighbors, were jointly affected by Japanese aggression during the Second World War, and the anti-Japanese armed forces had worked together. During the 1950s Korean War, China provided support and further strengthened the ties between the two countries. These historical factors made Kim Jong-un’s presence seem convenient.
Preparations for the event have entered the final stage. Beijing has strengthened security and relevant venues have been deployed. The parade will showcase military strength and historical review, and is expected to include a troop review and equipment display. Although Kim Jong-un's itinerary has not been announced in detail, he is expected to arrive on September 1 or 2 and may meet with Chinese leaders to exchange views on hot issues. Putin's participation adds an international dimension, and the three countries interact or promote economic, trade and security cooperation. Compared with the 70th anniversary military parade in 2015, Kim Jong-un did not attend at that time and sent a senior official, Cui Yonghai, to personally report the changes in the diplomatic environment.
In this list, other participants, such as the King of Cambodia, the President of Laos, etc., covered many countries in Asia, reflecting China’s diplomatic influence. The activities aimed at promoting peaceful dialogue and avoiding escalation of confrontation. Kim Jong Un may use the opportunity to consolidate the friendship between China and the DPRK, seeking more economic support, in the face of the pressure of Western sanctions. Overall, this parade is not only a military demonstration, but also a geopolitical platform, and the moves of the parties are worth observing.