On the afternoon of September 2, the North Korean leader arrived in the capital Beijing (China) in his familiar green armored train. Afterwards, Mr. Kim boarded a black Mercedes-Benz Maybach and traveled to the North Korean Embassy in Chaoyang District, the capital city of Beijing, China.

From the license plate to the accommodation

The license plate of the car believed to be carrying Mr. Kim was numbered 7·271953, interpreted as a subtle reference to July 27, 1953 – the date the armistice agreement was signed. Pyongyang considers this day to be “Victory Day in the Fatherland Liberation War.”

Observers suggest that the North Korean leader came to Beijing to attend the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s Victory over Fascism but subtly imprinted North Korea’s own “victory day” onto the car’s license plate.

In August 2024, while inspecting flood-affected areas in Uiju County, North Pyongan Province, Mr. Kim also used a new Mercedes SUV bearing the same number sequence on its license plate.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kim’s accommodation is also a point of interest. Many sources indicate he is staying at the North Korean Embassy in Beijing, which was renovated earlier this year in preparation for his potential visit.

During his three previous visits to Beijing, Mr. Kim stayed at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse – a facility used by the Chinese government to host foreign heads of state.

However, security is currently tightened around the area of the North Korean Embassy, while the Diaoyutai area remains quite calm, leading diplomatic circles to believe it is highly likely Mr. Kim chose the Embassy as his accommodation.

Kim Jong Un - Photo 2.

From attire to itinerary

At the military parade on September 3, Mr. Kim appeared in a black suit with a light yellow tie. The day before, when he stepped off the train in Beijing, he also wore a black suit but with a red tie.

Observers suggest that his choice to wear a suit instead of his familiar black Mao-style outfits is seen as an attempt to project the image of a “normal state” head of state during his first participation in a multilateral diplomatic event.

His subsequent itinerary in China, including the possibility of a meeting with President Xi Jinping, has not yet been announced.

Of his four previous visits to China, twice he stayed for 1 night and 2 days, and the other two times for 3 nights and 4 days. He has visited technology facilities such as the Beijing Economic-Techn

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It served as the imperial capital for several dynasties, most notably the Ming and Qing, and is home to cultural landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it is a vast modern metropolis that remains the nation’s political and cultural center.

North Korean Embassy

The North Korean Embassy is the diplomatic mission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in a host country, representing its government’s interests abroad. These embassies are known for their high security and isolation, operating under the strict control of the North Korean regime and its ruling Workers’ Party. Historically, some of these missions have been involved in illicit activities to generate foreign currency for the sanctioned state.

Chaoyang District

Chaoyang District is a modern financial and diplomatic hub in Beijing, developed primarily after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. It is home to the city’s Central Business District (CBD), foreign embassies, and iconic modern landmarks like the CCTV Headquarters. While largely contemporary, it also contains historical sites such as the ancient Dongyue Temple.

Diaoyutai State Guesthouse

The Diaoyutai State Guesthouse is a prestigious state guesthouse in Beijing, China, originally built as an imperial fishing park during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. Today, it serves as a high-level government reception facility for hosting foreign dignitaries and state leaders.

Uiju County

Uiju County is a historic border region in North Pyongan Province, North Korea, situated along the Yalu River across from China. It is historically significant as the site of Uiju Castle and was a major trade and transportation hub during the Joseon Dynasty, serving as a gateway for diplomatic missions to China.

North Pyongan Province

North Pyongan Province is a historic region in northwestern North Korea, bordering China. It is home to significant cultural sites like the UNESCO-listed Complex of Koguryo Tombs, which date back to the ancient Koguryo Kingdom (37 BC – 668 AD). The province also contains the city of Sinuiju, a major industrial and transportation hub on the Yalu River.

Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area

The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), also known as Yizhuang, was established in 1992 as a state-level development zone to attract high-tech industries and foreign investment. It has since evolved into a major hub for technological innovation, housing numerous Fortune 500 companies and leading Chinese enterprises in sectors like biotechnology, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing.

Victory Day

Victory Day is a holiday celebrated in various countries to commemorate victory in significant wars or battles. It most notably refers to the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, which is marked annually on May 9th in Russia and other former Soviet republics with military parades and ceremonies. The day honors the millions of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during what is known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).