Putin and Kim Jong Un to Attend China’s Massive Military Parade Next Week

Russian President Vladimir Putin - Left and North Korean leader Kim Jong un - Right (image source)

In a bold display of geopolitical alignment, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will attend China’s “Victory Day” military parade in Beijing on September 30. The event marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II and will feature 26 foreign leaders.

“The Chinese people will join hands with the people of all countries to firmly defend the victories of World War II,” said Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.

The parade, held in Tiananmen Square, will showcase China’s latest military technology, including hypersonic weapons, missile defense systems, and anti-drone capabilities.

“This is not just a parade—it’s a message to the world,” said defense analyst Colonel Wei Zhang. Kim’s attendance marks his first major international appearance since 2019. Analysts say the image of Kim, Putin, and Xi Jinping together sends a strong signal of solidarity among China, Russia, and North Korea.

“It’s a calculated piece of diplomatic symbolism,” said Chong Ja Ian, professor at the National University of Singapore.

The parade comes amid rising tensions with the West. Most Western leaders are not expected to attend, with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico being the sole exception.

“This is a show of defiance against Western pressure,” said political analyst Dylan Loh. South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik will represent Seoul, though President Lee Jae Myung has declined to attend amid concerns over optics.

China’s hosting of both Putin and Kim is seen as a strategic move to position itself as a global broker. With U.S. President Donald Trump hinting at meetings with both leaders, Xi Jinping’s role becomes pivotal.

“Xi is reminding the world that China is not just a regional power but a broker of global affairs,” said Loh.