Kim Jong Un Heads to Beijing by Armoured Train for High-Stakes China Military Parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has departed Pyongyang for Beijing aboard his iconic armoured train, ahead of a major military parade in China’s capital on Wednesday.

According to media reports, Kim is expected to join Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and 26 other world leaders at the “Victory Day” celebration — a historic multilateral appearance marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.

This will be Kim’s first multilateral international engagement since taking power, and the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese military parade since 1959. Leaders from Iran, Cuba, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia are also expected to attend.

Kim departed North Korea on Monday evening aboard his custom-built, heavily-armoured train — known for its luxury and security. Reports say the train features 90 carriages, including conference rooms, bedrooms, and a restaurant car serving French wines and fresh lobster.

Due to its weight and security detail, the train travels at a slow pace, with the journey from Pyongyang to Beijing expected to take up to 24 hours, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.

The use of an armoured train continues a tradition started by Kim’s grandfather Kim Il Sung and followed by his father Kim Jong Il, who reportedly avoided flying due to a fear of air travel.