Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un set off from Pyongyang by his signature armoured train on Monday, embarking on a carefully orchestrated journey to Beijing to attend a grand military parade commemorating Japan’s surrender in World War II. The trip marks a rare international appearance for Kim, signaling Pyongyang’s intent to strengthen diplomatic ties with Beijing and Moscow amid rising regional tensions.
The North Korean leader’s choice of train travel is steeped in tradition and security. Armoured trains, often stretching 10 to 15 carriages, are equipped with state-of-the-art protective features, including bulletproof exteriors and reinforced suspension systems. Inside, the trains offer lavish amenities such as private sleeping quarters, offices, medical facilities, dining areas, and even space for transporting armoured vehicles. Reuters reports that interiors are adorned with ornate touches, including flower-shaped lighting and zebra-print seating, reflecting both luxury and propaganda symbolism.
The journey is as much functional as it is symbolic. Kim and his entourage can conduct meetings, strategize, and maintain operational oversight while en route. Crossing international borders involves technical adjustments, including locomotive swaps or wheelset modifications to fit differing rail gauges. Once in China, Chinese locomotives take over to ensure smooth passage through the country’s extensive rail network.
Historically, train travel has been a hallmark of North Korean leadership. Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung, frequently used similar trains for domestic and international travel. Beyond practicality, the trains serve as a visible emblem of the regime’s self-reliance and reinforce the image of the Kim family as omnipresent stewards of the nation.
Kim is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s parade. Chinese President Xi Jinping personally invited Kim to the event, which will also be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Analysts suggest that this gathering could provide an opportunity for trilateral discussions, potentially realigning regional partnerships in response to recent U.S.-South Korea diplomatic and trade engagements.
Observers note that Kim’s rare foreign journey underscores Pyongyang’s strategic diplomacy, aiming to reinforce alliances with Beijing and Moscow while signaling its capacity for careful, calculated engagement on the international stage. The outcomes of these interactions could have long-term ramifications for security, trade, and military dynamics in Northeast Asia.