Kim Jong Un’s Armored Train Journey to China: What It Means for Global Relations

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has embarked on a journey to China, traveling by armoured train. He is set to attend a military parade in Beijing, a significant event that will see him meet with notable world leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

This “Victory Day” parade is special for Kim; it’s the first time a North Korean leader has participated in a Chinese military parade since 1959. His journey is expected to last around 24 hours, as his heavily protected train travels slowly. Interestingly, this train includes luxurious amenities like a restaurant car serving fine French cuisine and fresh seafood.

Kim’s last major foreign visit was in 2019 when he attended an event marking 70 years of diplomatic relations with China. His family has a history of train travel; both his grandfather and father preferred trains to planes for international trips. His train is reportedly quite extensive, with about 90 carriages, including spaces for meetings and sleeping.

The parade itself will feature tens of thousands of military personnel and is planned to showcase China’s advanced weaponry, which will include aircraft, tanks, and anti-drone systems. With the event marking 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II, it’s a crucial moment for China to display its military capabilities.

Interestingly, while Kim joins leaders from countries like Myanmar and Iran, many Western leaders are expected to skip the parade due to ongoing tensions related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This highlights the complex web of international relations, as China’s outreach to Southeast Asian countries reflects its strategic priorities in the region.

As Kim attends this high-profile event, it illustrates his desire to strengthen ties and assert North Korea’s role on the global stage, especially as his interactions with world leaders have been quite limited in recent times.

For more detailed information about China’s military advancements and the significance of the parade, you can visit CNN.

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