Xi to host Putin, Kim in Beijing military parade

New Delhi, Aug 28: Beijing is preparing for a major military parade on 3 September to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War Two, with Chinese President Xi Jinping set to host Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Their joint appearance in the Chinese capital is being seen as a significant diplomatic gain for Xi, underlining his influence at a time of heightened global tensions.

Kim’s attendance, the first by a North Korean leader at a Chinese parade since 1959, highlights Beijing’s continued importance to Pyongyang, which relies heavily on China for trade and food imports. His visit also comes amid closer ties between Moscow and Pyongyang since the beginning of the Russia – Ukraine war.

The gathering provides Xi with diplomatic leverage ahead of expected talks with US President Donald Trump later this year, reports BBC. Washington and Beijing remain locked in negotiations over tariffs and trade, while Trump has signalled renewed interest in direct engagement with Kim.