North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a newly built weapons factory, reportedly located in the country's munitions hub near the Chinese border, as part of his push to accelerate missile production. The visit comes just before Kim's planned trip to Beijing to attend a major military parade, marking his first visit to China in six years. The event is expected to highlight growing alignment between North Korea, China, and Russia, with leaders from all three countries attending amid heightened tensions with the United States and its allies. Kim's recent efforts have focused on expanding military cooperation with Russia and strengthening diplomatic ties with nations opposed to Washington, while North Korea continues to resist calls for renewed talks with the United States and South Korea.