Chinese state media remained silent on the topic of North Korea following President Xi Jinping’s summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, even though the issue was Seoul’s top priority.
President Lee had directly appealed to Xi for help in resuming talks with Pyongyang, based on a “phased approach” that would start with a freeze on nuclear development.
However, state-run reports from China focused exclusively on other aspects of the visit. They highlighted Xi’s calls to “open a new chapter” in relations, “respect each other’s social systems,” and “accommodate core interests.” The reports also detailed plans for cooperation in AI, green industries, and on aging populations.
This omission was notable, as North Korea, a Chinese ally, issued a statement on the same day calling Lee’s denuclearisation plan a “pipe dream.”
South Korea’s national security adviser, Wi Sunglac, confirmed the North Korea issue was discussed and that China expressed a willingness to cooperate for peace. Wi also noted that both sides agreed that US-North Korea dialogue was the “most important” track.
