Xis Silence on Denuclearization Should Be a Wake-Up Call for Seoul: Analysts

A newspaper front page photo shows Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) shaking hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, as seen at a news stand in Beijing on June 9, 2026. Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty ImagesChinese leader Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on June 9 after a two-day visit to Pyongyang. Xi made no mention of North Korea’s denuclearization during the trip, a sharp contrast to his previous visit seven years ago. Instead, he publicly emphasized military exchanges between China and North Korea.Analysts who spoke to The Epoch Times say Xi’s silence on denuclearization may reflect deeper strategic calculations, while the renewed focus on military ties could have significant implications for South Korea’s security and serve as a warning to Seoul’s current leadership.Xi’s Likely Goal: Reclaiming Influence in PyongyangThe trip marked Xi’s first overseas visit of the year. On June 8, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted a grand welcoming ceremony for Xi at Kim Il Sung Square, where giant portraits of both leaders were prominently displayed.