Overview

• North Korean media published Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message pledging intensified strategic communication, more visits and closer cooperation with Pyongyang.
• Kim Jong-un’s Beijing trip featured a Victory Day parade appearance alongside Xi and Vladimir Putin and a Kim–Xi meeting whose outcome did not mention denuclearization.
• South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said Kim likely conditioned his attendance on China dropping any denuclearization language.
• Chung also interpreted Kim’s pledge to support China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as tacit backing for a potential invasion of Taiwan.
• After returning home, North Korean state media said Kim inspected a ground test of a high‑thrust solid‑fuel engine made in carbon fibre, calling it a significant step in expanding strategic forces.