A Propos - Xi Meeting 'Was a Success for Kim Jong Un', Experts Says
Xi’s silence on nuclear weapons suggests Beijing is prioritizing stability and leverage over denuclearization, analysts said, as North Korea expands its arsenal.
- Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang on Monday and Tuesday, notably omitting criticism of North Korea's nuclear weapons program during his first trip to the country in seven years.
- Beijing prioritizes regional stability over denuclearization, fearing a collapse in Pyongyang could trigger a mass exodus across their shared border, according to Jiyong Zheng of Tianjin Foreign Studies University.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung claimed on Monday North Korea produces enough nuclear fuel annually for 10-20 bombs, while Kim Jong Un recently unveiled a new plant to bolster nuclear forces at an exponential rate.
- Despite Xi's apparent silence on nuclear matters, South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Il insisted on Tuesday that Seoul should not lower expectations regarding China's support for disarmament.
- Analysts view Beijing's silence as a deliberate strategic signal, with Seong-Hyon Lee of the Bush Foundation noting that "by tacitly accepting North Korea," Beijing strengthens its position as an indispensable stakeholder in future negotiations.
53 Articles
53 Articles
Xi must offer Kim a deal he cannot refuse
Following his recent meetings with President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping traveled to Pyongyang on 8-9 June, his first visit in nearly seven years. During the summit, Xi and Kim pledged to “open a new chapter” in bilateral relations, while Xi reaffirmed China’s “unwavering” support for Pyongyang. These commitments raise an important question. If Xi is serious about opening a new chapter in China-DPRK re…
Nuclear weapons: During his visit to Pyongyang, Chinese leader Xi Jinping no longer mentioned the ‘denuclearization’ of the Korean peninsula.
Georgia Public Broadcasting
nprChina re‑centers North Korea ties as nuclear silence reshapes balance
Xi's silence on North Korea's nuclear program came as Kim tried to convince the world of the irreversibility of his country's status as a nuclear power.
Today's highlights include: 1) President Trump said that the Iranian regime was behind the shooting down of a US Army helicopter on Tuesday, and vowed that the US would respond 2) Xi Jinping visited North Korea and met with Kim Jong-un. The two did not mention the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but only emphasized anti-hegemonism and anti-militarism 3) The head of WHO's emergency program in Africa said that without the trust of the co…
A propos - Xi meeting 'was a success for Kim Jong Un', experts says
Speaking with FRANCE 24's Monte Francis, Edward Howell, Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Oxford, says that this week's China-North Korea summit was a success for Kim Jong Un "because no mention of North Korea's nuclear program or denuclearisation took place" adding that "it shows that China, just akin to Russia, is silently accepting North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state".
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
