SEOUL — North Korea has reaffirmed its status as a nuclear-armed state and rejected international efforts aimed at denuclearization, just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to begin a state visit to Pyongyang.
According to North Korean state media, Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of leader Kim Jong-un, said the country’s nuclear status is “absolutely irreversible” and that its nuclear weapons program is non-negotiable.
Her remarks came as Xi prepares for a two-day visit to North Korea beginning Monday, marking his first trip to the country in seven years.
The visit follows Xi’s recent meetings in Beijing with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
After Trump’s visit to China last month, the White House said the US and Chinese leaders had reaffirmed their shared goal of achieving the denuclearization of North Korea.
Beijing has not publicly disclosed details of the discussions but has said it continues to pursue a “political settlement” of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.
Kim’s comments signal Pyongyang’s continued resistance to renewed international pressure over its nuclear arsenal despite ongoing diplomatic engagement involving China, the United States and regional powers.
Xi’s trip comes at a time of heightened geopolitical activity in Northeast Asia and is expected to focus on bilateral ties, regional security and economic cooperation between the longtime allies.
Source: Saudi Gazette