North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Visits Beijing by Armored Train for 80th Anniversary Parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un traveled by a heavily armored, bulletproof private train to Beijing to attend China's military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War and World Anti-Fascist War. This marks Kim's fifth visit to China and his first in nearly seven years. The train, known as the 'Solar' or 'Taeyangho,' is equipped with luxurious and secure facilities, including office spaces, communication equipment, and bulletproof Mercedes vehicles, but its speed is limited to about 60 kilometers per hour due to track conditions. Kim is expected to stay at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse during his visit, where security has been heightened to protect his health information, a sensitive issue for regime stability. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are also attending the event, underscoring the geopolitical significance of the gathering. Kim's journey reflects his continued reliance on train travel for overseas visits and the strategic importance of his relationship with China and Russia.