North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

KJI Goes to China

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, Aug. 27, 2010. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Kim Jong Il has visited the PRC for the second time this year.  Among the issues discussed were the 6 Party Talks, increased economic and cultural exchange and border issues (including the recent flooding).  While traveling through China, Kim Jong Il visited several historic sites that are part of the DPRK’s official history.  With the 3rd Party Conference about ten days away and the regime’s decision to reiterate Party Life, KJI seems to be walking his own road of the people’s revolution.

KJI was joined by, among others : Jang Song Taek (NDC Vice Chairman; brother in law; successor; Taepung Group); VMAR Kim Yong Chun (NDC Vice Chairman; Minister of the People’s Armed Forces); Kim Ki Nam (Party Secretary; propaganda boss); Tae Jong Su (CC KWP Department Director; Vice Premier); Kim Yong Il (CC KWP Department Director); Kang Sok Ju (Senior Vice Minister MOFA); Kim Yang Gon (NDC Councilor; director, United Front Department; Taepung Group).  Based on his previous travel habits it is likely KJI was joined by at least two of his children (also, given the party jobs they hold).

Steve at Northeast Asia Matters has an excellent summary of KJI’s trip from KSG Nightwatch:

The proximity of this visit to the Party general meeting in early September is the basis for the inference that Kim’s visit is related to the process of introducing his third son to the Chinese leadership and showing him around and off.

While KJI was wrapping up his trip on Saturday, KCNA reported that a dancing party of youths took place “across the DPRK”:

They danced beautiful dances to the tune of merry melodies with the honor and pride of glorifying the history and tradition of the glorious Juche-based youth movement, being blessed with the illustrious leaders generation after generation.

When “Fortune of Korea,” “Our General Is the Best” and other songs resounded forth, the places of dancing parties were filled with profound thanks and trust in leader Kim Jong Il who trained and put forward the youth as reliable successors to the Songun revolutionary cause.

Photo: Yonhap

Thae Jong Su (L) with KJI (Photo: CCTV)

KJI with Kim Yong Chun (R), NDC Vice Chairman and Minister of the People's Armed Forces (Photo: CCTV)

Kim Yong Chun (L), Kim Ki Nam and Kim Yong Il

Kim Yang Gon (L), Jang Song Taek (C) and Kang Sok Ju (R)

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