Overview

• KCNA confirmed Kim Jong Un will attend in what would be his first trip to China since 2019, joining Vladimir Putin at the September 3 ceremony.
• China says about 26 foreign leaders are expected, including Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing, Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic and Slovakia’s Robert Fico, with leaders from major Western capitals absent.
• The 70‑minute parade will feature over 10,000 troops, more than 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground systems, all domestically produced with many debuting.
• Chinese officials frame the showcase as evidence of PLA modernization, with displays spanning drones, electronic warfare, hypersonic capabilities, air defense and strategic missiles.
• The gathering follows the SCO summit in Tianjin and comes as Russia and North Korea deepen military ties under a 2024 mutual defense pact, while Beijing highlights its “traditional friendship” with Pyongyang.