Kim Jong Un Meets Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in Beijing Summit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during World War II commemorations. The rare diplomatic outing signals renewed alignment between North Korea, China, and Russia amid global tensions. Kim also held talks with Vladimir Putin, pledging full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Kim Jong Un Meets Xi Jinping Quick Looks
- Kim met Xi Jinping during Beijing’s WWII commemoration events.
- It marked Kim’s first visit to China in six years.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin also joined the celebrations.
- North Korea pledged full support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Kim traveled by train with his daughter, fueling succession speculation.
- China remains North Korea’s top trading partner and aid provider.
- The summit hints at tighter coordination between Beijing, Pyongyang, and Moscow.
- Analysts caution against overstating the emergence of a formal alliance.
Kim Jong Un Meets Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in Beijing Summit
Deep Look
BEIJING (AP) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, in a rare high-level meeting that also included Russian President Vladimir Putin during commemorations marking the end of World War II in Asia.
Kim, who traveled by train from Pyongyang, joined 25 other world leaders in attending a major Chinese military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in 1945. His visit marked his first trip to China in six years and the first time he’s appeared in a multilateral setting with global leaders since taking power in late 2011.
China-North Korea Ties on Display
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed that Xi and Kim held “in-depth exchanges” on bilateral relations and regional security. Guo emphasized the “great significance” of Kim’s attendance, suggesting that the North Korean leader’s participation was more than symbolic.
State media outlets in both countries portrayed the meeting as an affirmation of the long-standing alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang, though analysts caution against interpreting it as a sign of a formal trilateral bloc with Russia.
Experts suggest that Kim’s objective was twofold: to reinvigorate relations with China, his country’s main economic lifeline, and to diversify diplomatic options as the war in Ukraine evolves and pressure mounts from Western nations.
Kim’s Growing Alignment with Russia
During the visit, Kim also met with President Vladimir Putin, who praised North Korean soldiers for their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to North Korean state media (KCNA), Kim reaffirmed his nation’s “fraternal duty” to fully support Russian forces.
Putin, in turn, described ties with Pyongyang as based on “trust, friendship, and alliance.” Reports from South Korea’s intelligence agency estimate that approximately 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed in Ukraine, with thousands more expected to deploy.
This marks a deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, rooted in a 2024 mutual defense treaty that obligates each country to defend the other in case of attack.
Kim’s Daughter Joins the Diplomatic Stage
One of the most talked-about aspects of Kim’s trip was the presence of his young daughter, widely speculated to be his intended successor. Her inclusion in such a high-profile international event has reignited speculation about dynastic succession within North Korea’s ruling Kim family.
This was also the first occasion where Kim was photographed walking and smiling alongside both Putin and Xi. State-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun prominently featured these images, framing the visit as a major propaganda win.
Trump and U.S. Reactions
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a social media post, suggested the leaders were “conspiring against the United States,” prompting a sarcastic response from Putin.
“The President of the United States is not without a sense of humor,” the Russian leader said during a press conference.
Despite ongoing tensions between each of these nations and Washington, analysts warn against drawing conclusions about a formal alliance.
“Ganging up with North Korea would damage China’s international image,” said Zhu Feng, dean of Nanjing University’s School of International Relations.
Strategic Calculations Behind the Scenes
While Kim has heavily leaned on Russia in recent years—trading troops, missiles, and ammunition for fuel and food—his outreach to China could signal a recalibration. Analysts suggest Kim wants to hedge against future instability, particularly if the Russia-Ukraine war draws to a close or U.S. diplomacy resumes under Trump or another administration.
China, for its part, is pushing for Pyongyang to return to nuclear disarmament talks and to reduce provocations. Beijing has grown uneasy over North Korea’s military support for Russia and continues to emphasize stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Though the image of Kim, Xi, and Putin walking side-by-side generated intense media speculation, observers say the public spectacle may serve more propaganda value than genuine military coordination.
Still, the joint appearance at the parade offers clear signals: each leader is determined to assert sovereignty, resist Western influence, and project strength at a time of growing geopolitical polarization.
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