Kim Jong Un’s Beijing Visit: A Nod to History, A Play for the Future

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s upcoming visit to Beijing is both a nod to history and a strategic play for the future. He will attend a military parade on Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end, his first trip abroad in several years.
The event, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and also featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been snubbed by Western leaders. Their absence, a protest against Putin, turns the historical commemoration into a forward-looking summit of nations charting a course independent of the West.
This trip is crucial for Kim to solidify his partnership with China, the economic powerhouse that underpins his country’s survival. With China responsible for 97% of North Korea’s trade, this visit is aimed at ensuring that lifeline remains strong.
By appearing with both Xi and Putin, Kim is also making a statement about his future intentions. Following his military support for Russia, this public display of unity signals his commitment to a growing coalition aimed at rebalancing global power.