Overview

• North Korean state media said Kim’s armored train crossed into China early Tuesday en route to Beijing for Wednesday’s 80th‑anniversary military parade at Tiananmen Square.
• Kim is set to appear on the rostrum with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in his first multilateral diplomatic outing since 2011, with Russian reports saying he will be seated to Xi’s left and Putin to Xi’s right.
• A three‑way leaders’ meeting remains under consideration but unconfirmed, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, with potential bilateral contacts also expected during the visit.
• South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers the train entered China and forecast VIP protocol for Kim on par with Putin, with Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui among his entourage.
• KCNA reported Kim inspected a newly completed missile production line before departure, as reporting by officials and analysts highlights North Korea’s deepened military support for Russia and a possible recalibration toward China.