Kim Jong-un's third visit to China marks landmark shift in style of North Korean diplomacy
- 6 years ago
김정은 3차 방중, 한반도 정세 영향은? - 김창수 박사 대담
Joining us today to discuss Kim Jong-un's trip to China is Dr. Kim Chang-su from the Korea Institute of Defense Analyses. Dr. Kim it's a pleasure to have you with us again today.
Thank you.
1 - Kim Jong-un was seen as a reclusive leader, who looked like he would not travel abroad. But now in three months he has visited China three times, gone to Singapore to meet with President Trump, and even gone South of the inter-Korean border to meet with President Moon Jae-in. Have we entered a new era of international diplomacy for North Korea? What does this mean?
2 - Chinese state media announced Kim's visit BEFORE his arrival. This is a big departure from his previous two visits, where it was only confirmed after he left. What do you think was the thinking behind this, from both China and North Korea's perspective?
2a - The first time he visited Beijing, he took that special train. It looks like Kim has gotten over his supposed fear of flying?
3 - There is speculation that Kim would have discussed with Xi the roadmap towards the regime's security alongside denuclearization. What do you think their discussion would have covered?
4 - Kim's trip coincided with the announcement that South Korea and the U.S. would be suspending one of their joint-military exercises in August. China has been calling for this for a long time. How much would Beijing have welcomed this development?
4a - There is an argument that the suspension of the joint military drills is not a concession to North Korea and China, but a tool to pressure North Korea to take steps towards denuclearization. Do you see it that way?
5 - The sight of North Korea and China getting so close again has started to worry some watchers. For example, there are already signs that China is easing sanctions on North Korea. What is the concern if China and North Korea get close?
Joining us today to discuss Kim Jong-un's trip to China is Dr. Kim Chang-su from the Korea Institute of Defense Analyses. Dr. Kim it's a pleasure to have you with us again today.
Thank you.
1 - Kim Jong-un was seen as a reclusive leader, who looked like he would not travel abroad. But now in three months he has visited China three times, gone to Singapore to meet with President Trump, and even gone South of the inter-Korean border to meet with President Moon Jae-in. Have we entered a new era of international diplomacy for North Korea? What does this mean?
2 - Chinese state media announced Kim's visit BEFORE his arrival. This is a big departure from his previous two visits, where it was only confirmed after he left. What do you think was the thinking behind this, from both China and North Korea's perspective?
2a - The first time he visited Beijing, he took that special train. It looks like Kim has gotten over his supposed fear of flying?
3 - There is speculation that Kim would have discussed with Xi the roadmap towards the regime's security alongside denuclearization. What do you think their discussion would have covered?
4 - Kim's trip coincided with the announcement that South Korea and the U.S. would be suspending one of their joint-military exercises in August. China has been calling for this for a long time. How much would Beijing have welcomed this development?
4a - There is an argument that the suspension of the joint military drills is not a concession to North Korea and China, but a tool to pressure North Korea to take steps towards denuclearization. Do you see it that way?
5 - The sight of North Korea and China getting so close again has started to worry some watchers. For example, there are already signs that China is easing sanctions on North Korea. What is the concern if China and North Korea get close?