(UPDATE) SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is heading to Beijing by train on Tuesday to attend a military parade with his Chinese and Russian counterparts, North Korea’s state media reported.

The event could potentially demonstrate their three-way unity against the United States.

Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the 26 world leaders who will join Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday in Beijing for the massive military parade that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and China’s fight against Japan’s wartime aggression.

While the event would mark Kim’s first attendance at a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule, it would also be the first time for Kim, Xi and Putin, all key challengers of the US, to gather at the same venue.

None of the leaders have confirmed a private trilateral meeting.

The North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported early Tuesday that Kim left Pyongyang for Beijing by his special train on Monday to participate in the celebrations.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un travels to Beijing to watch military parade alongside Putin, Xi Jinping, This news data comes from:http://nhguvj.xs888999.com

KCNA, citing Foreign Ministry official Kim Chon Il, said that Kim Jong Un was traveling with top officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.

South Korean media reported Kim’s train was expected to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday after confirming its arrival in the Chinese border city of Dandong on Monday night.

Kim’s travel marks his first visit to China since 2019 and the fifth visit in total since he inherited power upon his father’s death in late 2011.

North Korea observers are paying keen attention to Kim possibly meeting Xi bilaterally as well and holding even a trilateral meeting with Xi and Putin.

North Korea’s relations with China have reportedly turned sour in recent years, but experts say Kim likely hopes to restore ties, as China is North Korea’s biggest trading partner and aid benefactor.

Some experts said Kim’s presence at the multilateral event in Beijing is part of efforts to develop partnerships with other nations close to China and Russia.