Reports indicate that North Korea is preparing for Chairman Kim Jong Un’s visit to China, with activities observed throughout Beijing on August 31.
The North Korean embassy in China has completed the installation of a memorial on the rooftop of its building, while two Air Koryo flights operating unscheduled routes between Pyongyang and Beijing landed at Beijing International Airport that day.
With China’s 80th Victory Day celebrations (commemorating the triumph in the anti-Japanese war and the global anti-fascist victory) just three days away, security has been tightened around Tiananmen Square, where the parade is set to take place.
Two Air Koryo aircraft arrived at Terminal 2 of Beijing Capital International Airport approximately an hour apart. Interestingly, the airport’s flight information boards did not display any details regarding these arrivals.
Air Koryo typically operates the Pyongyang–Beijing route twice weekly (on Tuesdays and Saturdays). The unscheduled arrival of these flights suggests that North Korea is preparing for Chairman Kim’s imminent visit to China.
It remains unclear whether any North Korean officials were aboard these flights. Notably, there were no sightings of North Korean officials exiting through the regular gates, nor were there any vehicles belonging to the North Korean embassy in the airport parking lot.
This has led to speculation that essential items—such as Kim’s armored vehicle—may have arrived on these flights.
Additionally, Air Koryo’s regular flight schedule might be adjusted in anticipation of Kim’s visit to China.
The arrival information board at Terminal 2 of Beijing Capital International Airport indicates that Air Koryo flight JS15 is scheduled to land on Monday at 10:00 a.m.
This flight typically departs from Pyongyang Sunan Airport at 8:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Saturday, arriving in Beijing at 9:50 a.m.
Diplomatic sources believe that Kim is likely to use his private train for the journey to China.
According to 12306, the official train ticket reservation system operated by China Railway Corporation, train services from Dandong in Liaoning Province to Beijing have been temporarily suspended on Monday and Tuesday. This suggests that Kim might depart from Dandong on Monday and arrive in Beijing on Tuesday.
The sudden disappearance of train information for the routes from Dandong to Beijing just days before the Victory Day celebrations strongly indicates a connection to Kim’s visit, according to diplomatic sources.
The fact that foreigners cannot book rooms at the Zhonglian Hotel in Dandong, which overlooks the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, further supports the likelihood of Kim’s train journey.
Activity at the North Korean embassy in Beijing has also intensified ahead of Kim’s first multilateral diplomatic debut.
The embassy recently completed the installation of a new structure on the roof of its main building. Previously, only the North Korean flag was displayed, but now a new molded plate has been added. This plate appears to feature images of hydroelectric power plants and transmission towers, along with the words Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Inside the embassy compound, a large crane was seen completing the installation before departing. Construction noise could be heard from within the fenced area, suggesting that final preparations are underway.
As the 80th anniversary event approaches—which will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Kim—security around Tiananmen Square has been significantly tightened.
Pedestrian access has been effectively restricted in front of the Tiananmen Square, where President Xi will ascend alongside other leaders. Although bicycles are permitted, individuals must undergo security checks and are not allowed to stop along the way.
Numerous barricades have been set up along the roads leading into the city center.
