North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared his intention to “more intensively” strengthen relations with China, according to the state news agency KCNA. He expressed satisfaction with the support received from Chinese leadership during his recent visit to Beijing, where he attended a military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A member of the People’s Liberation Army stands as the maritime operations group displays YJ-15 anti-ship missiles during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Memories of Trump and Conditional US Dialogue

Kim also reiterated his willingness to restart dialogue with the United States, provided Washington abandons its insistence on North Korea’s denuclearization. He stated, “If the US abandons its delusional obsession with denuclearization and acknowledges reality, expressing a genuine desire for peaceful coexistence, then there is no reason we cannot meet face-to-face.”

Reflecting on past interactions, Kim added, “I have fond memories of the current US President, Donald Trump,” recalling the historic summits held between 2018 and 2019 in Singapore, Hanoi, and the demilitarized zone between the Koreas.

North Korea’s Nuclear Program

Between 2006 and 2017, North Korea conducted six nuclear tests. Despite international sanctions, Pyongyang continues to develop its arsenal, defending the program as necessary for defense against perceived threats from the US and its allies, including South Korea.

In January, Kim reaffirmed that North Korea’s nuclear program would continue “indefinitely,” underscoring the regime’s strategic priorities. Meanwhile, former US President Trump has expressed willingness to resume talks with Kim, describing him as “a smart man.”