North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in Beijing next week, China's foreign ministry has said - in what is believed to be his first international level meeting of leaders. The so-called Victory Day parade will mark the 80th anniversary of China's war against Japan and the end of World War Two.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin will also be among the 26 heads of state expected to attend the event, which comes days after US leader Donald Trump expressed a desire to meet Kim. China is expected to display its latest weaponry, including hundreds of aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems - this being the first time its military's new force structure is being fully showcased in a parade.
The parade will see tens of thousands of military personnel march through Tiananmen Square, including troops from 45 military echelons. The event will likely attract significant global attention as it presents not only military prowess but also a diplomatic opportunity for Xi Jinping.
Given the current geopolitical tensions, particularly with the United States, China's outreach towards leaders like Kim and Putin could influence international relations substantially. Most Western leaders are expected to skip the event due to tensions over the Ukraine conflict, further emphasizing the unique coalition on display in Beijing.
As the time draws nearer for Kim's attendance, speculation also arises regarding whether South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung might join, marking a potentially pivotal moment in inter-Korean dynamics.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin will also be among the 26 heads of state expected to attend the event, which comes days after US leader Donald Trump expressed a desire to meet Kim. China is expected to display its latest weaponry, including hundreds of aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems - this being the first time its military's new force structure is being fully showcased in a parade.
The parade will see tens of thousands of military personnel march through Tiananmen Square, including troops from 45 military echelons. The event will likely attract significant global attention as it presents not only military prowess but also a diplomatic opportunity for Xi Jinping.
Given the current geopolitical tensions, particularly with the United States, China's outreach towards leaders like Kim and Putin could influence international relations substantially. Most Western leaders are expected to skip the event due to tensions over the Ukraine conflict, further emphasizing the unique coalition on display in Beijing.
As the time draws nearer for Kim's attendance, speculation also arises regarding whether South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung might join, marking a potentially pivotal moment in inter-Korean dynamics.
