Kim Jong Un Rides Train to China for WWII Anniversary Bash
By Global Leaders Insights Team | Sep 02, 2025
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un boarded his fancy armored train on Monday to head to Beijing for a huge military parade celebrating 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II, North Korean state media said.
Kim rolled into China early Tuesday morning, according to Rodong Sinmun, marking his first time rubbing shoulders with big names like China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin at a major international event.
The parade, set for Wednesday, is going to be a spectacle—think troops marching, planes zooming overhead, and China showing off its latest high-tech weapons.
Kim hanging out with Xi and Putin hints at the three countries getting cozier, especially since they often challenge Western influence. No word yet on whether the trio will sneak in a private chat during the event.
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Kim’s traveling in his signature green, bulletproof train, a luxurious ride North Korean leaders have loved for years. With perks like a restaurant serving French wine and lobster, it’s no budget trip, but at a chill 60 km/h, it probably took him about a day to reach Beijing.
Before heading out, Kim swung by a missile lab on Monday to check out a new setup for building intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) using lightweight carbon fiber. State media bragged that the engines for these Hwasong-19 and Hwasong-20 missiles have a hefty 1,960 kN of thrust, showing North Korea’s still doubling down on its military game.
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North Korea also gave a nod to Xi’s push for a new global setup that boosts developing countries, aligning with China’s call for a fairer world. This trip highlights how China and North Korea are growing tighter, even after some rocky moments, with China still being North Korea’s top trade buddy.
Kim’s showing up to the parade alongside 26 other world leaders puts a spotlight on China’s efforts to flex its diplomatic clout and play a bigger role in the region.
