The surprise visit is viewed as a gesture of reassurance as Pyongyang is developing closer ties with Moscow

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will travel to China next week to join Russian President Vladimir Putin and other international dignitaries, who will be marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Beijing confirmed on Thursday.

Foreign trips by North Korea's leadership are rare. Since taking power in 2011, Kim has made 10 such visits, with China being his most frequent destination. His upcoming trip will be his fifth to the neighboring country.

Beijing is preparing to mark its victory over Imperial Japan and the defeat of the Axis powers with a large-scale military parade in Tiananmen Square. Putin is also expected in Beijing for the September 3 celebration, returning the courtesy of President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow in May.

Chinese media has described Kim's attendance as a notable upgrade from the previous anniversary, when Pyongyang was represented by senior official Choe Ryong-hae. Some 26 world leaders are expected at the parade, the centerpiece of the commemorations.

North Korea has historically relied on China as its closest foreign partner, though last year, Kim and Putin signed a broad security and cooperation agreement.

On May 9, the North Korean leader visited the Russian embassy in Pyongyang to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany, while his ambassador attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow.

Few Western leaders plan to go to China. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will be the only EU head of government present, joined by President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia, an EU candidate state. Both leaders also visited Moscow in May, moves that drew criticism in the West.

Divisions over the Ukraine conflict are widening between the United States and its allies. US President Donald Trump has called for a negotiated compromise, while many EU leaders continue to push for sustained military support to Kiev.

Slovakia has been one of the dissenting voices in Europe, particularly following Ukrainian attacks on an oil pipeline that provides it and Hungary with vital energy resources.