Overview

• China says about 26 foreign leaders, including Vladimir Putin, will attend the Sept. 3 commemorations in Beijing.
• It would be Kim’s first visit to China since 2019 and his first appearance alongside multiple heads of state.
• Neither Beijing nor Pyongyang has released a travel schedule or confirmed any bilateral meetings during the trip.
• The parade is slated to showcase heavy weapons, hypersonic precision systems, and new unmanned and anti-robot equipment.
• Analysts say Pyongyang seeks to improve ties with its dominant economic partner—China accounted for roughly 97% of its 2023 trade—after deepening cooperation with Russia.