North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will travel to Beijing next week to attend a major military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The event will also be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a clear display of political solidarity among the three countries.
Western leaders are expected to be absent, with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico the only notable European figure set to join the ceremony.
Analysts say Kim’s participation strengthens ties with Beijing and Moscow at a time of heightened global tension.