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A Rare Meeting of Xi, Putin, and Kim
Although China, Russia, and North Korea have been engaged in separate disputes with the United States, the three nations have not formed an official trilateral alliance. To date, Xi, Putin, and Kim have only met one another bilaterally.
“Kim’s attendance is significant for his own international stature, but it also holds weight in the balance of alliances between the U.S. and China,” said Soo Kim, a former CIA analyst. “Xi, Putin, and now Kim attending the parade cements a visible statement about the alignment between the three countries.”
The United States has worked closely with South Korea and Japan in recent years, expanding trilateral meetings and joint military drills. While the shared interests of China, Russia, and North Korea are evident, observers remain uncertain how far the three countries will go in deepening their ties. China is Russia’s largest oil purchaser and an important source of technology, though it officially maintains neutrality on the Ukraine war. China also remains North Korea’s most important trading partner, though their relationship has seen strains, particularly as Chinese group tours to North Korea have not resumed in recent years.
Possible Diplomatic Signals to the US
Kim’s trip to Beijing may also be aimed at influencing future diplomacy with Washington. Analysts point out that Kim’s prior visits to China in 2018 and 2019 came just before his meetings with Donald Trump for high-level nuclear talks.
“Pyongyang’s illicit cooperation with Moscow has strained ties with Beijing, even as China’s political and economic support remains vital for the North Korean regime,” said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. “To reengage Trump from a position of strength, Kim seeks to repair relations with Xi, and attending the parade in Beijing is a highly visible way of doing that.”
Earlier this week in Washington, Trump referenced one of his previous meetings with Kim at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. When asked if he might return there, Trump said, “I loved it. Remember when I walked across the line and everyone went crazy.” While North Korea has not shown interest in Trump’s outreach so far, some analysts believe Pyongyang could return to talks if it senses the United States is prepared to make larger concessions.
Strengthening Ties with China
Despite a stronger current focus on Russia, North Korea is expected to maintain efforts to reinforce relations with China. Questions remain about whether cooperation with Moscow will continue at the same pace once the war in Ukraine ends.
Trade statistics underscore China’s central role, as about 97% of North Korea’s foreign trade in 2023 was with China, compared to just 1.2% with Russia. Cheong Seong-Chang, deputy head of the Sejong Institute in South Korea, noted that Kim may be seeking resources from Beijing to help fund upcoming domestic events, including celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party in October and a party congress scheduled early next year.
Kim’s High-Profile Appearance at Beijing Parade
Kim Jong Un’s decision to attend the Chinese military parade alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin marks an important moment in North Korea’s international engagement. The gathering highlights the shifting balance of alliances in Asia, signaling closer cooperation between Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang, while also leaving open questions about how far this alignment will go. With both domestic and diplomatic considerations at play, Kim’s rare public appearance on a global stage underscores the significance he places on strengthening ties with China and Russia while leaving the door open for potential renewed talks with the United States.
