After North Korea-China Summit, China Publicly Mentions 'Military Exchanges' for First Time... Experts Cite 'Managing North Korea, Strategic Communication'

No Mention of 'Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula' by North Korea and China

At the North Korea-China summit held in Pyongyang, China publicly mentioned for the first time the strengthening of exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, and military sectors. Experts analyzed that China's reference to military affairs carries messages about managing North Korea, strategic communication, restoring North Korea-China relations, and jointly countering the United States.

It was reported by the Korean Central News Agency on the 9th that a performance was held at the Pyongyang Gymnasium on the 8th to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping, who visited North Korea. Yonhap News Agency

An official from the Ministry of Unification stated on the 9th at the Government Complex Seoul that "it is understood to be the first time this has been publicly mentioned in North Korea-China relations" regarding the military exchange disclosed by China, and added, "We are closely monitoring related developments."

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed linking development strategies, fully reopening border trade ports, and expanding people-to-people exchanges during his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Kumsusan State Guest House in Pyongyang the previous day. In particular, he emphasized expanding the scope of cooperation by mentioning the strengthening of exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, and military sectors. Unlike his previous visit to North Korea in 2019, there was no mention of denuclearization.

In contrast, North Korean media such as the Korean Central News Agency focused on expanding exchanges in the political, economic, and cultural sectors, strengthening strategic communication, and cooperating on international and regional issues, but did not mention China's disclosure of military exchanges. However, the Rodong Sinmun published President Xi's contribution from the previous day as it was, which included the relevant remarks.

Experts believe that China's reference to the military sector does not directly translate to strengthening an actual military alliance or joint military actions. Hong Min, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, explained, "Military exchanges are primarily aimed at actively managing North Korea through information gathering," and added, "It is about forming human networks to understand technical changes within the military and the status of weapons modernization."

He continued, "If this were at the level of actual military cooperation or joint exercises, North Korea would have reported it extensively," and analyzed, "The fact that North Korea did not mention it may be because it saw this as a matter reflecting China's interests and convenience."

Park Wongon, Professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University, also stated, "It does not seem likely that there will be military support, troop dispatch, or joint exercises in the form seen with Russia," and diagnosed, "North Korea appears to be maximizing its practical benefits by pursuing military cooperation with Russia and non-military cooperation with China."

On the other hand, Kang Junyoung, Director of the Center for International Area Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, analyzed, "Given the existence of the China-North Korea Friendship Treaty, the mention of the military sector reaffirms the basic framework of security cooperation between the two countries," and added, "If joint exercises or the Tumen River's right of access to the sea become a reality in the future, it cannot be ruled out that this will lead to North Korea-China or North Korea-China-Russia military cooperation."

Some analysts also believe that the summit was focused on countering the United States and strengthening strategic solidarity. Previously, President Xi stated in his contribution to the Rodong Sinmun, targeting the United States, "We oppose hegemonism and power politics, and must resist all ambitions and schemes that seek the revival of militarism and threaten the safety and stability of the region."

Professor Park explained, "The main purpose of this summit was to restore relations," adding, "This is because North Korea is geographically positioned to play a key role in countering the United States." Director Kang commented, "The very act of President Xi visiting Pyongyang is a clear message that North Korea's strategic status has been elevated compared to before."

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