North Korea’s nuclear programme is absolutely non-negotiable, said Kim Jong Un’s sister on Sunday, ruling out any negotiations with the South ahead of the much-awaited visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kim Yo Jong stated that North Korea will not negotiate even an inch on its established and secure nuclear programme as Pyongyang finalises preparations for the summit with Xi.
North Korea has long insisted on its right to maintain nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes capable of striking the US mainland, making it one of the few countries in the world to possess such technology. For decades, the United States has attempted to dismantle, sabotage, or destroy North Korea’s nuclear programme through various means, but Pyongyang remains one of the most formidable nuclear powers today.
While North’s relations with neighbouring, pro-US South Korea can be described as mixed, the two sides have maintained peace at their borders despite historical rivalries.
“Our status as a nuclear power is absolutely non-negotiable,” Kim Yo Jong said in a statement published by North Korea’s official Rodong Sinmun, adding that the North “will not tolerate any threats”.
A key member of the Communist Party’s power structure who handles communication and foreign policy, Kim Yo Jong’s statement came on the eve of Xi’s visit to North Korea, scheduled from Monday to Tuesday, according to state media.
China remains the primary supporter of North Korea, which is viewed as an important geostrategic player in Beijing’s overall policy aimed at gaining global superpower status.
A hegemon in Asia, China keeps its West-leaning neighbours, Japan and South Korea, in check with the support of North Korea.
Xi’s upcoming visit to Pyongyang will be his first in seven years and comes after he hosted back-to-back summits with US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin last month.
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