Putin holds meeting with Kim Jong Un in Beijing: IFX

Putin holds meeting with Kim Jong Un in Beijing: IFX

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. This meeting is significant as it marks the first time Kim Jong Un, Xi Jinping, and Putin have attended an event together, underscoring a show of unity among these key challengers of the United States [2].

Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing aboard his heavily armored, fortress-style train, dubbed "Taeyangho," which is designed to ensure his safety during transit. The train, which travels at a slow speed of around 60 kilometers per hour, is bulletproof and typically carries between 10 and 15 carriages, some of which are reserved exclusively for Kim [1].

The meeting comes amidst heightened global tensions and is part of a military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The parade, scheduled for Wednesday, will feature thousands of troops and China’s latest weaponry, with over 25 world leaders expected to attend [2].

Kim Jong Un's visit to Beijing is his first since 2019 and is part of Pyongyang's efforts to bolster ties with both China and Russia. The visit coincides with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's recent high-profile trip to the United States, where he emphasized trilateral cooperation to counter North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile programs [1].

The meeting between Putin and Kim is expected to focus on strengthening their strategic partnership, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin has been vocal about his stance against what he perceives as bullying behavior from certain countries, while Kim Jong Un has been seeking to deepen ties with China and Russia to counter U.S. influence [2].

The security around Beijing has been tightened in recent days, with road closures, military personnel stationed on bridges and street corners, and miles of white barriers lining the capital's boulevards. The event is expected to be a significant display of military power and unity among the attending leaders.

References:
[1] https://www.wfiwradio.com/2025/09/01/kim-jong-un-takes-moving-fortress-bulletproof-train-to-meet-putin-and-xi-at-beijing-military-parade/
[2] https://www.livemint.com/news/world/kim-jong-un-putin-and-xi-to-attend-biggest-military-parade-in-beijing-in-show-of-unity-against-us-11756779697067.html