North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will perform a delicate diplomatic dance next week with a key visit to Beijing. He is scheduled to attend a military parade on Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, his first trip abroad since 2019.
The parade, hosted by President Xi Jinping and featuring Russia’s Vladimir Putin, has been marked by a boycott from Western leaders. Their protest against Putin’s presence underscores the deep fissures in global politics and creates a stage for an alternative gathering of powers.
This visit is a crucial one for Kim to manage his country’s most indispensable relationship. North Korea’s economy is almost entirely sustained by trade with China, making this trip a strategic imperative.
The meeting of the three leaders also serves as a public affirmation of North Korea’s growing alignment with Russia. By appearing with both Xi and Putin, Kim is making a clear statement about his commitment to a new anti-Western coalition.
Kim Jong Un’s Diplomatic Dance: A Key Visit to Beijing
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