Denuclearization Omitted from Xi-Kim Summit... Focus Solely on Expanding Exchanges

Kim Jong Un: "Will Uphold the One China Principle"
"North Korea Aimed for China's Tacit Recognition as a Nuclear-Armed State"

On the 8th, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) posed for a commemorative photo after holding a summit meeting at the Kumsusan Guesthouse. Photo by Yonhap News

A summit between North Korea and China was held for the first time in seven years, but there was no discussion of denuclearization. China, which had previously placed importance on North Korea's denuclearization, effectively acquiesced this time. Instead, China emphasized expanding exchanges and cooperation with North Korea. Analysts say this reflects the North Korean regime's desire for China to tacitly recognize its status as a nuclear-armed state.

According to the Korean Central News Agency and Xinhua News Agency on June 9, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un emphasized strengthening exchanges and cooperation during their summit held the previous day at the Kumsusan Guesthouse. President Xi stated, "Both sides must strengthen exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, and the military," and added, "Our firm resolve to safeguard the two countries' shared interests and a favorable strategic environment will not change."

In response, Kim Jong Un replied, "As always, I will make the development of North Korea-China relations the nation's top strategic priority." He continued, "Given that the international community has undergone unprecedented and significant changes in recent years, North Korea will consistently adhere to the 'One China' principle and firmly support China's policies and positions to safeguard its core interests."

There was no mention whatsoever of the North Korean denuclearization issue. Before Xi's visit, North Korea had declared through its state-run media that "its status as a nuclear-armed state is an absolute red line," and it appears that no related discussions took place during this summit.

The Yomiuri Shimbun pointed out, "It seems that North Korea's objective in this summit was to have China tacitly recognize its status as a nuclear-armed state," and added, "Given that there was no mention of denuclearization in either last September's summit during Kim Jong Un's visit to China or in the Chinese statements this time, this can be seen as a diplomatic achievement for North Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.