North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. No details have been provided yet on the exact timing of the meeting.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that Kim and Xi would hold talks to exchange views on bilateral relations and other matters of mutual concern. He described the North Korean leader’s visit and participation in the parade as “carrying great significance.” Guo added that China aims to strengthen strategic communication and deepen governance exchanges with North Korea.“The two… leaders will hold talks and have an in-depth exchange of views on China-DPRK relations and issues of common concern,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo said. Kim arrived in Beijing by train on Tuesday, accompanied by his young daughter, Kim Ju Ae. This marks his first visit to China since 2019 and only his second foreign trip in six years. Analysts say the presence of his daughter has fueled speculation that she may be groomed as the next North Korean leader.The visit and parade also drew criticism from Trump, who accused Xi, Kim and Putin of conspiring against the United States in a Truth Social post. “Give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” Trump said. Responding to the allegation, Guo Jiakun said the parade was held to commemorate 80 years since World War II and to honor history and peace. “China’s development of diplomatic relations with any country is never directed against any third party,” he said.Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov on Wednesday told Russian state TV, “I think not without irony, he said that these three are allegedly plotting against the United States.”On Wednesday, Kim attended a large military parade in Beijing alongside other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. The event, which showcased underwater drones, missiles, and laser weapons, commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Kim’s participation was his first appearance with Xi and Putin at the same event since taking office in late 2011.After the parade, Kim met Putin, who praised the North Korean soldiers supporting Russia in its war in Ukraine.Kim had previously engaged in high-profile diplomacy around 2018, meeting US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in multiple times. However, he largely withdrew from international affairs after the collapse of the Hanoi summit with Trump in 2019.China, North Korea’s most important ally, has historically provided diplomatic, economic, and political support, despite the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang by the international community.
