North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Beijing in his armored train accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae, sparking speculation about his appointment to the successor of the "Mad Pyongyang".

The leaders of China, Russia and North Korea, powerful nuclear allies, dating back to the Cold War, will come together during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Western leaders supporting Ukraine in the conflict against Russia were not invited.