Washington: A former U.S. official stated that U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping might "talk the talk" regarding North Korea's denuclearization at their upcoming summit. However, the official does not anticipate any significant new developments concerning Pyongyang, citing the "diverging" strategic interests of the U.S. and China.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the official made these comments during a press meeting, highlighting the planned summit in Washington on September 24, following a previous meeting in Beijing. During the May summit, both leaders confirmed their shared goal of denuclearizing North Korea. However, the official, speaking anonymously, pointed out that while both nations will discuss denuclearization, China's interest lies in drawing North Korea closer, distancing it from Russia.
The official further elaborated that China aims to maintain stability by preventing North Korea from aligning too closely with the U.S., whereas Trump is keen to engage with Kim Jong-un for potential negotiations, a stance not supported by China. The assessment comes amid speculation about whether North Korea's nuclear agenda will be a focal point, as Pyongyang remains firm on retaining its nuclear program.
Last month, Trump expressed his intention to meet Kim later this year, despite Pyongyang's strengthening ties with Moscow and Beijing. This development raises concerns that Trump's administration might focus on objectives other than complete denuclearization, such as arms control and tension reduction.
A White House official recently stated that U.S. policy on North Korea remains unchanged, yet stopped short of reaffirming a commitment to denuclearization. Trump's previous meetings with Kim in Singapore, Hanoi, and the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom underscore his continued interest in engaging with North Korea.
Source: Yonhap News Agency