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There are a few notable bits in Kim Jong Un's July 27 speech. Here's the official English text: https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1595927921-516031959/supreme-leader-kim-jong-un-makes-speech-at-sixth-national-conference-of-war-veterans/?t=1595961967503
Others have pointed to his Kenneth Waltz-like comments about nuclear weapons: "Thanks to our reliable and effective self-defence nuclear deterrence, the word war would no longer exist on this land, and the security and future of our state will be guaranteed for ever."
That's not new, but it's certainly explicit in a way we didn't see during 2018-19. NK has used euphemisms for its nuclear weapons especially when it has felt the need to court Beijing, which opposes the program.
It's interesting to see such an explicit discussion of the permanent possession of nuclear weapons when NK-Chinese relations are basically OK (as indicated in this speech, with its nod to the wartime role of the Chinese People's Volunteers).
Specifically: "Availing myself of this opportunity, I offer my noble respects to the martyrs and veterans of the Chinese People's Volunteers, who set a genuine example of militant friendship by helping our people in their revolutionary war at the cost of blood."
Does this mean that KJU no longer thinks he has to choose between friendship with China and loudly beating the rhetorical drum about nukes?
Here's what the Chinese MFA spox said when asked about it: "The main reason for the current stalemate in the process of Korean Peninsula peace talks is that the DPRK's legitimate concerns are not paid enough attention to or addressed...."
"...China calls on all sides to stick to dialogue and consultation, demonstrate flexibility on issues of mutual concern, and make concrete efforts toward denuclearization of the Peninsula and lasting peace of the Peninsula and the region." https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1801757.shtml
In other words, China isn't giving up on "denuclearization," but they're also not blaming NK for the current impasse. No wonder KJU thinks he can have it both ways.
Another bit of interest is KJU's continued emphasis on "belt-tightening," ie, going hungry: "we chose on our own accord the arduous road of strengthening the national power, looking towards a bright future of our state, and have never changed our choice, tightening our belts..."
"...when others were vying with one another for the pursuit of immediate 'prosperity.'" That's KJU's reminder that NK won't be enticed by offers of aid, trade, investment, etc., if it means disarmament.
But sanctions relief isn't even in the picture for the time being. As @Mister_G_2 pointed out in recent remarks at @KoreaEconInst, NK itself is closing off any opportunities for expanding econ ties through its strict quarantine policy. Pandemic response comes first.
So, if this speech is any indication, KJU has become comfortable with hunkering down for the long haul. He does seem aware of public dissatisfaction, judging by how routinely critical he is of his own officials in public remarks.
