Seoul: The presidential office has revealed its prior knowledge of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's impending visit to China, set for next week. This disclosure comes in light of President Lee Jae Myung's recent summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which was reportedly influenced by these developments.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik confirmed that they were informed through relevant agencies and had been briefed about the announcement of Kim's visit. Kim is scheduled to attend China's military parade in Beijing on September 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Kang remarked that the South Korea-U.S. summit was influenced by these developments at a fundamental level. Earlier in the week, President Lee and President Trump held their first summit talks in Washington. During the summit, Trump expressed his desire to meet Kim this year, with Lee supporting the U.S. president's efforts towards dialogue.
Speculation has arisen from the leaders' comments, suggesting a potential meeting between Trump and Kim during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, scheduled to take place in South Korea's southeastern city of Gyeongju in late October. However, Kang stated that it is premature to confirm any detailed plans regarding possible talks between the two nations.
Addressing concerns about the strengthening relationships among North Korea, China, and Russia, Kang expressed optimism for improved ties with Beijing that could lead to denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. He also reaffirmed that Seoul remains open to inter-Korean dialogue.
In addition to Kim, other notable attendees at China's military parade will include Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Korea's Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, and leaders from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Iran.