Key Facts
• September 3: Ceremony held in Beijing to mark 80 years since WWII victory.
• Leaders Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un met for the first time.
• Military parade showcased unmanned submarines and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
• 26 countries attended the event, highlighting Kim Jong Un’s rare diplomatic appearance.
• Putin and Kim held a summit after the parade, their first in 15 months.
• Kim pledged continued support for Russia, referencing North Korea’s role in Ukraine.
• September 4: Xi and Kim are expected to hold a bilateral summit.
Summary
On September 3, a ceremony in Beijing commemorated 80 years since victory in WWII against Japan, bringing together Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the first time. The event featured a military parade displaying advanced weaponry, including unmanned submarines and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Kim’s attendance marked his first significant multilateral diplomatic appearance, drawing global attention. Following the parade, Putin and Kim held a summit, where Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s support for Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict. The two leaders emphasized their nations’ close ties. On September 4, Xi and Kim are scheduled to meet for further discussions.
