Conference Leaders Gather in China
On Wednesday’s segment of CNN’s “The Lead,” host Jake Tapper invited journalist Tom Foreman to delve into images and videos of leaders from China, Russia, and North Korea. During a meeting in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with China’s national president, Xi Jinping.
As they discussed this high-profile meeting, Foreman showcased various images and clips. “This is an extraordinary picture,” he noted, pointing to a shot of the three leaders together. He also commented on Xi’s wife, who was dressed in traditional Mao Zedong attire. The gathering is striking, especially since all three leaders have emphasized their strong connections—a point often highlighted by Donald Trump regarding their ability to negotiate deals.
One memorable moment occurred when a hot microphone captured a private conversation. Foreman shared a clip where Xi Jinping spoke with Kim and Putin about “people who have made progress in biotechnology to live to 150.” He further mentioned how “secretive” North Korea is, and even used the touchscreen to highlight Kim Jong Un’s daughter in another image.
In an interesting note, Foreman discussed the daughter, whose age and name—rumored to be Kim Joo-e—remain somewhat unclear. She seems to be around 13 or 14 and has attended various events with her father. Foreman connected this with a legacy of leadership, mentioning earlier leaders of North Korea. He also pointed out that there’s a perceived security measure in North Korea regarding the collection of genetic material to protect the health information of Kim Jong Un.
This meeting marks the first occasion where Jinping, Putin, and Kim were seen together in the same location. According to the Associated Press, Putin praised North Korean soldiers who engaged against Russian forces in Ukraine during this gathering.
Prior to the meeting, former President Donald Trump shared thoughts on social media, questioning whether Xi would acknowledge the extensive support and sacrifices made by the United States in ensuring freedom from unfriendly foreign forces. Trump remarked on the American lives lost in the search for victory and glory, expressing a desire for their courage to be respected and remembered.
