Overview

• Unification Minister Chung Dong-young told parliament that Kim Jong-un likely demanded no mention of denuclearization as a precondition for attending Beijing’s Victory Day events.
• Talks between Kim and Xi Jinping produced no reference to denuclearization, breaking with the four Kim–Xi meetings in 2018–2019 that consistently cited the goal.
• KCNA said Kim voiced support for China’s efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, which Chung interpreted as tacit backing for a potential Taiwan operation.
• Kim appeared with Xi and Vladimir Putin at the military parade, which Chung described as a symbolic diplomatic achievement reflecting Pyongyang’s self-image as a nuclear state and the limits of sanctions.
• A Korea JoongAng Daily analysis noted that the omission may signal a recalibration on North Korea’s nuclear status and observed Kim traveled with economic officials, suggesting a focus on securing Chinese aid.