Leaders from around the world gathered in Beijing recently to commemorate the 85th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in the Second World War. While many Western leaders were absent, the presence of North Korea’s Kim Jong-un attracted significant media attention. This summit marked Kim’s fifth visit to China since he took power in 2011 and his first attendance at a multilateral international meeting since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kim’s journey to Beijing was notable for its method; he traveled by an armoured train, a choice that reflects both personal preference and security considerations. This mode of transport allows for a larger entourage and serves as a more secure option following years of isolation due to pandemic restrictions. While Kim has previously flown internationally, including to Hanoi in 2019 for a summit with former US President Donald Trump, the train may offer him and his advisers a chance to prepare in a controlled environment.
Key Insights from the Summit
Three key takeaways emerged from Kim’s visit that shed light on North Korea’s current strategies and international relations.
First, there appears to be no clear succession plan in place. Kim was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is approximately 13 years old. While she has been seen publicly with her father on several occasions, including during a major intercontinental ballistic missile launch inspection, her absence during the summit suggests this trip may not indicate her imminent succession. Notably, Kim’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, and sister, Kim Yo Jong, were not present. This absence marks a departure from the traditional practice established by Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, and father, Kim Jong-il, who both prepared their successors through public visibility and gradual acceptance.
Second, Kim’s reception in Beijing indicates a robust regional support system. He was prominently positioned alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the ceremonial events. This meeting was the first of its kind since the era of Kim Il-sung, Mao Zedong, and Nikita Khrushchev in 1959. The discussions between Kim and both Xi and Putin signal a shift in relations, as both nations previously endorsed sanctions against North Korea due to its nuclear ambitions. During his meeting with Putin, Kim expressed North Korea’s willingness to assist Russia in exchange for economic support and military aid. This aligns with reports that North Korean troops may be deployed to support Russian efforts in Ukraine.
Nuclear Status and International Relations
Lastly, there was a notable absence of discussions regarding the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This omission indicates that both China and Russia now recognize North Korea as a nuclear state. According to a 2025 assessment by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Kim views the nation’s nuclear capabilities as essential for regime security. With estimates suggesting North Korea has sufficient fissile material to construct up to 90 nuclear warheads, this recognition could reshape future diplomatic dynamics in the region.
The outcomes of Kim’s visit to Beijing underscore the evolving alliances in Northeast Asia. While Russia gains a strategic partner in the Ukraine conflict, China reinforces its ties with North Korea, positioning Kim not only as a prominent global leader but also as a pivotal player in regional geopolitics. As these relationships strengthen, the likelihood of North Korea making concessions on its nuclear program appears increasingly remote.
Jim Hoare does not work for, consult, own shares in, or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond his academic appointment.
