North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Beijing by train on Tuesday to attend a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. This event will also feature Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant gathering of leaders who are often seen as challengers to U.S. influence.

Kim's attendance at the parade is notable as it represents his first participation in a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule. The parade is set for Wednesday and will include 26 world leaders. It is expected to showcase a united front among North Korea, China, and Russia, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with the West.

According to North Korea's state media, Kim departed from Pyongyang on Monday and was accompanied by a delegation that includes Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. Reports indicate that Kim's train crossed into China early Tuesday and is expected to arrive in Beijing later in the day. South Korean intelligence suggests that Kim will receive a level of protocol and security comparable to that of Putin during the event.

The military parade will take place at Tiananmen Square, where Kim, Xi, and Putin may stand together. While there has been no confirmation of a trilateral meeting among the three leaders, observers are closely watching for potential bilateral discussions between Kim and Xi, as well as Kim and Putin.

In recent years, North Korea has prioritized its relationship with Russia, reportedly supplying troops and ammunition to support Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. South Korean assessments indicate that North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 troops to Russia since last fall, with around 2,000 believed to have died in combat. Additionally, North Korea is expected to send thousands of military construction workers to assist in Russia.

Despite a cooling of relations with China, experts believe Kim is likely seeking to strengthen ties with Beijing, which remains North Korea's largest trading partner and aid provider. Kim's visit comes amid a backdrop of renewed hopes for diplomatic engagement, as both U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have expressed interest in restarting talks with North Korea.

Before his departure, Kim visited a missile research facility in North Korea to review advancements on a new engine for a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile. Analysts suggest this missile could be capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and defeating U.S. missile defense systems.