China said Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will travel to Beijing on 3 September to attend a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei told reporters the event, part of the country’s annual “Victory Day” celebrations, will be reviewed by President Xi Jinping on Tiananmen Square. In total, 26 foreign heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance, Hong added. Dignitaries expected include Iranian President Masoud Pezashkian and South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, alongside senior United Nations officials. The tightly choreographed 70-minute display is set to showcase China’s latest fighter jets, missile-defence systems and hypersonic weapons. The visit will be Kim’s first trip to China since 2019 and only his second known journey abroad since the pandemic, highlighting efforts by Beijing and Pyongyang to deepen ties. Putin’s presence, part of a four-day official visit, underscores Moscow’s alignment with China as Western nations shun the Russian leader over the war in Ukraine. No leaders from the United States or major Western European countries are expected to attend.