Kim Jong Un takes 'moving fortress' bulletproof train to meet Putin and Xi at Beijing military parade

The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, highlighting Beijing's efforts to showcase military power and deepen alliances at a time of heightened global tensions.

The journey to Beijing is expected to take about 20 hours to cover the 1,300-kilometer route, slowed by the train's heavy armor and rail conditions in North Korea.

Yonhap also reported that the train typically carries between 10 and 15 carriages, some reserved exclusively for Kim, such as a private bedroom. 

Other carriages house security guards and medical staff, per the Associated Press.

The armored train may also have conference rooms, audience chambers and bedrooms.

On Monday, Kim Chon-il, director of the North Korean foreign ministry's press and information department, confirmed the leader's departure on a private train. 

"Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, left here for Beijing by his private train on Sept. 1 to participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War," Korean Central News Agency reported, citing the ministry official.

Kim is accompanied by senior party and government officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, KCNA added. 

The military parade in Beijing will see thousands of troops march through Tiananmen Square in a 70-minute display featuring China's latest weaponry.

Traveling by armored train to high-profile events is a family tradition for North Korea's ruling dynasty. 

Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, also relied on rail travel, reportedly due to a fear of flying. 

Kim has continued the practice, including on his last trip to Beijing in 2019 and two meetings with Putin since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.