Rare foreign trip signals shift in alliances

NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing yesterday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, ahead of a massive military parade today.

- JAMES EDGAR and MICHAEL ZHANG

He arrived at 4pm (10am SA time) at Beijing Railway Station and was greeted by Cai Qi, China’s number five-ranked official, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, KCNA reported.

Earlier yesterday, journalists saw a train flying North Korea flags and believed to be carrying Kim approaching the station.

Kim will join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and two dozen other leaders at the huge spectacle to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.

China will showcase its military prowess with troops marching in formation, flypasts and other high-tech fighting gear at the showpiece extravaganza centred on Beijing’ Tiananmen Square.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency also reported the special armoured train’s arrival in the capital.

Kim appeared to be accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, South Korea's National Intelligence Service said in a statement to reporters.

It is only Kim's second reported trip abroad in six years and first to China since 2019.