North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Returns Home from China Visit

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un returned to Pyongyang after a significant visit to Beijing, where he attended a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender and held summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the visit, Kim and Xi reaffirmed their traditional friendship and discussed enhancing cooperation on international and regional issues, but notably omitted any mention of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, marking a diplomatic success for Kim who seeks recognition of North Korea as a nuclear power. Kim's departure from Beijing was marked by a warm send-off from top Chinese officials, including members of the Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee. The visit also highlighted the strengthening of political trust and strategic cooperation between North Korea and China, emphasizing the resilience of their alliance. Additionally, Kim was accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae, appearing publicly during this multilateral diplomatic engagement, fueling speculation about her role as heir apparent. The coverage of the visit was extensive in North Korean media, underscoring the importance of the trip in cementing DPRK-China relations.