China, North Korea summit omits denuclearization reference

Chinese President Xi Jinping met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Monday and Tuesday. The two countries' state media reports on the meetings contained no reference to denuclearization. The absence of any public mention of the issue contrasted with the White House statement last month that U.S. President Donald Trump and Xi had confirmed a shared goal of denuclearizing North Korea.

Background on prior positions During Xi's 2019 visit to Pyongyang, China publicly supported denuclearization efforts. North Korea's nuclear program had previously raised concerns that South Korea and Japan might pursue their own nuclear capabilities.

China's public stance on the issue showed signs of change beginning in 2024. Officials cited the need to avoid actions that could push North Korea closer to Russia.

Asia-Pacific security at the Hudson Institute, said the summit showed China prioritizing the reduction of U.S. regional influence over addressing North Korea's nuclear weapons. Andrew Yeo of the Brookings Institution noted that denuclearization no longer appears to be a top priority for China.

Ellen Kim of the Korea Economic Institute of America said China's silence on the issue could prompt South Korea to reassess its view of China as a strategic partner. Rob Rapson, former acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea, described the meeting as part of evolving regional geopolitics and said any future U.S.-North Korea talks would need to address the nuclear issue separately.