On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean Workers’ Party General Secretary Kim Jong Un, and Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered atop the Tiananmen Tower in Beijing, China, along with other key guests. This event, marking the 80th anniversary of China’s Victory Day (commemorating the triumph in the Anti-Japanese War and World Anti-Fascist War), witnessed the simultaneous appearance of the North Korean, Chinese, and Russian leaders.
Their joint presence sends a strategic message, hinting at trilateral cooperation and an anti-U.S., anti-Western alliance.
General Secretary Kim attended the Victory Day ceremony in a black suit. Cameras captured him walking side by side with President Xi, engaging in casual conversation as they entered Tiananmen Square.
Moments later, Kim, Xi, and Putin advanced together toward a group of veterans. President Xi extended his hand first, followed by President Putin and General Secretary Kim, each shaking hands with the veterans. Notably, Kim drew attention by warmly greeting each veteran and firmly grasping their hands.
Kim’s Multilateral Diplomatic Debut: Balancing Russia and China
Kim’s attendance at the Victory Day celebration marks his symbolic entry into multilateral diplomacy. Analysts suggest that his visit to China, after long avoiding international events, is rooted in a strategy of relying on Russia for security, and China for the economy. North Korea aims to maintain military and security cooperation with Russia while seeking breakthroughs in economic, trade, and tourism relations through improved ties with China.
The practical benefits North Korea could gain from military cooperation with Russia have largely been exhausted. With the Ukraine war in a prolonged stalemate, uncertainty looms over Russia’s long-term commitment to North Korea. In this context, North Korea appears to be recalibrating its military ties with Russia while pivoting toward a new multilateral diplomatic approach.
This Victory Day event is likely to serve as a springboard for Kim to expand his presence on the global stage. The image of him standing alongside Xi and Putin at the Tiananmen Tower could bolster internal unity in North Korea and potentially enhance its leverage in future negotiations with the U.S.
China Strengthens Its Position as a Key Player by Hosting North Korean and Russian Leaders
China’s strategy in inviting Kim and Putin to the Victory Day event is clear. Amid escalating tensions with the U.S., President Xi aims to showcase China’s vision of a China-centered multipolar world order to the international community. Analysts suggest that the very sight of Xi standing with Kim and Putin underscores China’s role as a mediator and influential force in North Korea-Russia relations.
Given the effort Xi invested in inviting Kim, it is highly likely that China will offer North Korea certain economic and diplomatic concessions. From Kim’s perspective, strengthening ties with China serves as a means to secure leverage for future negotiations with the U.S.
For President Putin, this Victory Day holds significance beyond a military parade. It is an opportunity to showcase Russia’s strategic partnership with China and North Korea to both domestic and international audiences. With discussions of a potential Kim-Putin summit, predictions suggest that military cooperation between the two countries may intensify following this Victory Day event.
