Kim Ju-ae's initial appearance in Beijing signifies her ascension to potential heir status
North Korean Leader's Daughter Makes International Debut as Potential Successor
In a significant move, Kim Jong-un brought his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, with him to China, marking her international debut and a potential signal to the international community that she may be his successor.
On Tuesday, Kim Ju-ae made her appearance in Beijing, standing next to her father during his welcome ceremony and meeting with senior Chinese officials. Photos released by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency showed the young girl accompanying her father at Beijing Railway Station.
Kim Ju-ae's presence at the multilateral diplomatic event is noteworthy, as she has only been officially reported as accompanying diplomatic activities in China and Russia. Observers in Seoul view her presence as significant, and experts believe it is a strong indication of her role in North Korea's future.
Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, stated that Ju-ae's presence is "in effect, regarded as her debut as a successor." Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute, echoed Lim's view, noting the symbolic weight of Ju-ae's presence in state media.
Kim Jong-un's push for Ju-ae's early diplomatic training appears to stem from his own experience of insufficient training as the heir to his late father, Kim Jong-il. Kim Jong-il visited China in 1983 and met then-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, gaining Beijing's recognition as North Korea's heir apparent. Kim Jong-un may be seeking to ensure that his daughter receives the necessary training and recognition to secure her place as the next leader of North Korea.
Power succession in North Korea has traditionally been consolidated through internal stabilization and external recognition from key allies, China and Russia. By bringing Kim Ju-ae to China for her international debut, Kim Jong-un may be seeking to secure her position as a potential successor and strengthen North Korea's relationship with its key ally.
Kim Ju-ae is not the first child of a North Korean leader to attend such events. Kim Jong-il brought his son, Kim Jong-un, to major diplomatic events. Ju-ae attended China's Victory Day celebrations alongside her father, further emphasizing her role in North Korea's diplomatic affairs.
At around 12 or 13 years old, Kim Ju-ae is still young, but her presence at such a significant diplomatic event suggests that she is being groomed for a leadership role in North Korea. Kim Jong-un's decision to bring Kim Ju-ae with him to China can be interpreted as a strong signal to the international community that she will be his successor.
Kim Jong-un's trip to China is his first appearance at a multilateral diplomatic event since coming into power in 2011. By bringing his daughter with him, Kim Jong-un is not only strengthening North Korea's relationship with China but also signaling a new era in North Korean politics.
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