Kim Jong-un departed from Beijing to return to his country on the evening of the 4th. (Video screenshot)
[People News] Xi Jinping, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party, was initially scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea from October 31 to November 1. The Chosun Ilbo reported that the Chinese embassy in South Korea cancelled the reservation for the Chinese delegation to stay at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul during the APEC period on September 27. On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui in Beijing. Some analysts believe that this cancellation may be a result of Choe Son-hui relaying Kim Jong-un's request to Xi Jinping not to visit South Korea.
A report from the Chosun Ilbo on September 30 indicated that a source from the South Korean government confirmed, "It has been established that Xi Jinping will stay in Gyeongju for three days and two nights. There are also plans to hold summit talks between the U.S. and China, as well as between South Korea and China, in Gyeongju." Xi Jinping is also expected to attend the APEC summit and the leaders' dinner. This visit will mark Xi Jinping's first trip to South Korea in 11 years, since 2014 during the Park Geun-hye administration.
However, the specifics of Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea have yet to be finalised. A senior official from the ruling party stated, "While there has been consideration of a formal bilateral visit to South Korea with separate schedules arranged in places like Seoul, nothing has been confirmed yet."
Reports suggest that the Chinese embassy in South Korea discussed the overall plan for the Chinese delegation's stay at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul during the APEC period on September 11, but the reservation was ultimately cancelled on the 27th.
Reports indicate that Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea is framed as either "attending the APEC summit" or "conducting an official visit," which carries different diplomatic meanings.
If the purpose is solely to attend the APEC summit, then at the multilateral diplomatic level, it would simply involve participation in APEC, with South Korea as the host. In this scenario, even if Xi Jinping holds a summit meeting with the South Korean president, it would merely be a routine discussion with the host at a multilateral conference. Conversely, if it is an official bilateral visit, it suggests that, in addition to the APEC summit, there will be a significant focus on Sino-South Korean relations.
Notably, on the same day that the Chinese side cancelled its reservation at the Shilla Hotel, September 27, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited Beijing at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
This meeting comes just over 20 days after Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping's encounter in early September, marking the second meeting between the foreign ministers of both nations. This also represents Choe Son-hui's first solo visit to Beijing since she assumed the role of foreign minister in June 2022, and it is the first diplomatic discussion between North Korea and China. The Chosun Ilbo suggests that this indicates a need for close discussions between North Korea and China on "major issues."
According to a report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on the 28th, Choe Son-hui and Wang Yi exchanged views on regional and international topics, reaching a complete consensus. Choe Son-hui also conveyed Kim Jong-un's stance, asserting that the relationship between North Korea and Beijing remains steadfast and expressing a desire to further deepen and develop their friendly ties.
Wang Yi also referenced the Xi-Kim meeting, criticising hegemonism and commending North Korea's unwavering support for China's core interests. This likely refers to Kim Jong-un's expressed strong support for Beijing on issues concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet during the Xi-Kim meeting.
The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 29th that during the foreign ministers' talks held the previous day, both sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues, and their opinions were completely aligned. However, the term 'completely aligned' was not used when the results of the North Korea-China summit were announced in early September. Analysts suggest that both sides may have shared insights regarding Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea, as well as the summit meetings involving the leaders of the U.S. and China, South Korea and the U.S., and South Korea and China.
On the 10th of next month, North Korea will hold a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea. Reports indicate that discussions will likely focus on the possibility of Xi's visit to North Korea. Some analysts believe that it would be challenging for Xi Jinping to visit both North Korea and South Korea in early and late October.
There are also perspectives suggesting that Kim Jong-un may have, through Choe Son-hui, requested Xi Jinping not to use the APEC summit as an opportunity to visit South Korea,' or to lower the diplomatic engagement with South Korea. This could explain why the Chinese side cancelled the reservation at the Shilla Hotel during the APEC period.
During Xi Jinping's state visit to South Korea in 2014, he only stayed in Seoul for 2 days and 1 night, which is shorter than the usual duration of 2 days and 3 nights for state visits. This has led to speculation in diplomatic circles that 'this decision may have been made with an awareness of North Korea.'
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