The biggest news around Kim Jong-un in the past few days is his high-profile presence at China’s Victory Day military parade in Beijing, a major moment not just for photo ops but for North Korea’s place on the world stage. Kim was seen flanked by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, marking a rare appearance by all three leaders together according to both The World and 38 North. This instantly became one of the most significant public appearances of his 14-year leadership, with ABC News describing it as a transformation from Kim’s “pariah” status to a confident global player. The diplomatic choreography was unmistakable, symbolizing a united front both against the West and in strategic partnership, and setting the narrative for North Korea’s ongoing resistance to international pressure on human rights and its nuclear program.
Inside the talks, Chinese state media reported their discussions focused on deepening strategic ties, economic cooperation, and mutual support on core interests. Kim explicitly pledged unwavering support for China’s positions on Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang, while Xi reaffirmed support for North Korea’s socialist trajectory and endorsed more frequent high-level exchanges. Coverage from outlets like OrcAsia and Norwalk Reflector captured the optics of warmth and unity at both tea and banquet, signaling, at least publicly, a solidification of the China-North Korea relationship even as disputes over Kim’s support for Russia’s Ukraine invasion have reportedly strained ties in recent months.
Business dealings and military ties were also in the spotlight. Defense News reported new manufacturing gains in North Korea’s defense industry, potentially boosting Kim’s arms export ambitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally thanked Kim for the support of thousands of North Korean troops and military equipment being used in Ukraine, a move still hotly denied by Pyongyang but confirmed by South Korea’s intelligence agencies and heavily reported by outlets like AOL and NK News. This blending of North Korea’s domestic military achievements with its foreign relationships is significant for Kim’s long-term biography, as it signals a shift from mere survival to active transactional diplomacy.
Speculation and social media rumors following the parade focused on diplomatic seating arrangements, particularly concerning South Korean dignitary Woo Won-shik. However, AFP and multiple newsrooms fact-checked these posts, finding them to be misleadingly cropped and the narratives of Woo's supposed snubbing unsubstantiated.
On social media, Kim’s images with Xi and Putin—broad grins, confident strides, indulgent banquets—were widely circulated by state media outlets and quickly picked up by international correspondents. Although Western leaders were pointedly absent, these staged moments are already fostering commentary about the emergence of a new “axis” and a refreshed narrative for Kim.
No new direct announcements or unverified rumors from North Korea’s own channels have surfaced in the past 24 hours, but the fallout and analysis from Kim’s Beijing engagement will likely play out for months, especially as talks about economic aid, arms exports, and potential nuclear negotiations develop.
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