Kim’s International Debut with Daughter Crowns a Week of China–Russia Deals

Kim Jong-un arrived in Beijing with his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, in a rare international appearance, just hours after Putin’s talks with Xi Jinping. A meeting between Putin and Kim was considered probable.
Putin lauded relations with China as at a record high, emphasizing strategic coordination and a shared worldview. The optics were tailored for the parade celebrating historic victory over Japan.
Leaders from Iran, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe joined a broader cohort of dignitaries, reinforcing a narrative of non-Western solidarity at a time of global flux.
Putin sat down with Slovakia’s Robert Fico, the sole EU head present, discussing energy and Ukraine while framing NATO expansion as Russia’s red line.
Cementing ties, Beijing and Moscow advanced Power of Siberia 2, and China opened visa-free travel for Russians from 15 September, signaling accelerating people-to-people and economic exchanges.