Beijing: China may not obstruct the resumption of diplomatic engagement between the United States and North Korea, but is unlikely to assume a central role in the process, according to a former senior U.S. diplomat. This assessment comes as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare for an upcoming summit in Washington, D.C.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Daniel Kritenbrink, who served as assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs from 2021 to 2025, expressed this view in response to written questions. Kritenbrink noted that while China may not actively block U.S.-North Korea diplomacy, it will remain "suspicious" of any substantial improvement in Washington-Pyongyang relations.
In the lead-up to the summit, President Trump has indicated his desire to reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. Kritenbrink, now a partner at The Asia Group, a strategic advisory firm, stated, "I would not expect China to block U.S.-DPRK diplomacy, and it may take certain limited steps to support it." He clarified that DPRK refers to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Kritenbrink added that while China may welcome diplomatic efforts if they contribute to stability on the Korean Peninsula, Beijing's suspicion of Washington-Pyongyang rapprochement means it is unlikely to play a central role in such diplomacy. He also noted that President Xi is expected to remain cautious on the matter.
When asked if President Trump would seek assistance from President Xi to resume talks with Kim, Kritenbrink suggested that Trump might request China's "general" support, although he remained unconvinced that Trump's efforts necessitate Xi's involvement.
While Kritenbrink anticipated that North Korea would be a topic of discussion during the Trump-Xi summit, he expressed doubts about achieving "significant areas of agreement." He also did not expect any changes in the longstanding positions of either side regarding North Korea's denuclearization.
Doubts exist over whether Trump and Xi would reaffirm their commitment to denuclearization, a sensitive issue for Pyongyang. The summit takes place amid China's apparent efforts to distance North Korea from Russia and Trump's aim to restart diplomacy with Kim.
Despite the potential for renewed dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea, Kritenbrink expressed skepticism about the North's interest in engaging. He cited Kim Jong-un's previous experience with the Trump Administration and the support he receives from Russia and China as factors influencing his view.
Last month, President Trump announced his expectation of a meeting with Kim later this year, fueling speculation about the resumption of personal diplomacy between the two leaders. Their previous meetings include Singapore in June 2018, Hanoi in February 2019, and the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019.