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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave to North Korean residents as they pass the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on June 20.
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Chinese president expresses resolve to play active role in Korean Peninsula peace process
During his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrived in Pyongyang on June 20, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un promised to “remain patient,” making clear he intends to resolve Korean Peninsula issues through dialogue with the US. Xi also expressed his resolve to play a proactive role in the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, stating that “China will take an active role in resolving North Korea’s security concerns.”
During the summit, which was held at the Kumsusan Guesthouse, where Xi was staying, at 4 pm, Kim expressed his frustration with the US in a roundabout way. “Over the past year, North Korea has taken many steps to ease tensions, but they haven’t been endorsed by the related country,” Kim said.
“We will remain patient with the hope that the related country will sit down with us and make progress toward resolving our matters of interest,” Kim went on to say. His remarks are taken to mean that North Korea is willing to engage in negotiations about denuclearization and regime security if the situation changes — the US altering its stance, for example.
Kim also emphasized that he would “learn from China’s experience with economic development and improving the public livelihood,” hinting that he’ll maintain the party line of concentrating all resources on building the economy.
“North Korea values the important role that China has played in resolving issues on the Korean Peninsula. We will continue to communicate and cooperate with China to achieve new progress and to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” Kim said.
“I support a political resolution to the Korean Peninsula issue. China will play an active role in bringing about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” Xi said, stressing that “China will help resolve North Korea’s security concerns.”
China apparently means to serve as a mediator through discussing a peace regime that could give the North Korean regime the security that might convince it to give up its nuclear arsenal.
Departing from Beijing, Xi’s private jet touched down at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport at 11:40 am. Around 10,000 flower-bearing residents of Pyongyang welcome Xi and his associates at the airport. Kim and his wife appeared at the airport to personally meet the Chinese delegation, extending them the highest courtesy.
By Jung In-hwan, Beijing correspondent
Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]
