During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent state visit to North Korea, the prominent absence of Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, from official events has become a notable observation.
Ju Ae’s Disappearance from Public View
Reports indicate that Ju Ae’s presence was not confirmed in footage or photographs released by state media during President Xi’s visit, which concluded with his departure for Beijing. While Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, accompanied President Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for most of the itinerary, Ju Ae was conspicuously absent from these public engagements.
The North Korean leader and his wife were seen alongside the Chinese President and his wife at various events, including welcoming ceremonies at the airport, a commemorative banquet, and a performance on the first day of the visit. On the second day, Ju Ae’s participation was also noted in events such as the summit between North Korean and Chinese officials, a toast, and the farewell ceremony at the airport.
Significance of Ju Ae’s Role
Her consistent presence alongside her father during high-level diplomatic interactions, such as President Xi’s previous state visit in June 2019, has been interpreted as a demonstration of the close ties between the two nations and a signal of the highest level of treatment. Ju Ae’s appearance during that visit, accompanying her father and mother, was seen as a significant gesture.
Ju Ae’s presence during President Xi’s current visit had been a subject of considerable interest. Her participation would have been interpreted as a strong indication from Pyongyang regarding its succession plans. She first appeared in the public eye in November 2022 at the test launch of the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile and has since accompanied her father on numerous political activities, solidifying her presence.
Her attendance at her father’s state visit to Beijing in September of last year, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Korean War, further fueled speculation about her being designated as a successor.
Analysis of the Absence
However, her absence during this latest visit has led to interpretations that she is not yet officially designated as the successor. Some analyses suggest that China might have felt uncomfortable with Ju Ae’s public participation in official events. This is because if President Xi were to meet with Ju Ae in an official capacity or see her in formal settings, it could be interpreted as China’s recognition of North Korea’s hereditary succession system.
