Kim Yo Jong Criticizes U.S. Denuclearization Efforts as Xi Jinping Visits North Korea
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has labeled the U.S. push for North Korea's denuclearization as an 'anachronistic dream.' Her statement comes just before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. Kim Yo Jong emphasized that North Korea will continue to expand its nuclear arsenal in response to perceived U.S.-led threats. This development follows the collapse of high-stakes diplomacy between Kim Jong Un and President Trump in 2019, after which North Korea has focused on enhancing its nuclear capabilities. Analysts suggest that Xi's visit aims to reassert China's influence over North Korea, which has recently strengthened ties with Russia. During his visit, Xi is expected to offer economic assistance rather than directly address denuclearization.