Chinese Media Omits NK Discussion from Xi-Lee Summit Reports

Chinese state media reports on the summit between President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung made no mention of any discussions regarding North Korea, despite it being the top agenda item for Seoul.
President Lee had explicitly sought Xi’s help in efforts to resume dialogue with Pyongyang, outlining his “phased approach” to denuclearisation. Lee told Xi he was “positive” about the conditions for engagement.
Instead, Chinese reports focused on Xi’s proposals to “open a new chapter” in relations. These included calls to “respect each other’s social systems,” “accommodate core interests,” and boost cooperation in high-tech fields like AI, biopharmaceuticals, and green industries.
In contrast, South Korea’s national security adviser, Wi Sunglac, confirmed the North Korea issue was discussed. Wi said China expressed a willingness to cooperate for peace, but the leaders did not specify China’s role. Both sides agreed that US-North Korea dialogue was “most important.”
The summit, Xi’s first visit in 11 years, was met with anti-China protests in Seoul and was immediately followed by a statement from North Korea, a Chinese ally, calling Lee’s denuclearisation plan a “pipe dream.”