Kim Jong Un Attends Beijing Military Parade, Meets Putin and South Korean Speaker

Beijing, September 3, 2025 - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a grand military parade in Tiananmen Square today, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. Following the parade, Kim held a bilateral meeting with Putin and exchanged greetings with the speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly.

Kim and Putin convened at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse immediately after the parade, with both leaders lauding their nations’ “comprehensive strategic partnership” and military cooperation. Putin praised North Korean troops for their role in the Kursk region of Ukraine, calling them “courageous and heroic”, while Kim reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to assist Russia in accordance with their June 2024 treaty.

Earlier in the day, Kim Jong Un shook hands with Woo Won-shik, South Korea’s parliamentary speaker, who is attending the parade as part of Seoul’s delegation. The encounter, confirmed by Woo’s office, took place on the sidelines of the event and underscored Seoul’s ongoing appeals for renewed inter-Korean dialogue, despite Pyongyang’s refusal to engage.

The visit also featured Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, making her first known appearance abroad. Analysts view her presence as a symbolic move toward grooming her as a potential successor, noting her close proximity to her father during official ceremonies and the red carpet welcome at the railway station. Her debut at this high-profile international gathering has intensified speculation about North Korea’s dynastic succession.

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