Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rejected Washington’s longstanding objective of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and said North Korea’s status as a nuclear weapons state could not be altered by what she described as unilateral U.S. rhetoric.

Her comments came one day before Xi is scheduled to arrive in Pyongyang for talks with Kim Jong Un, marking the Chinese leader’s first visit to North Korea since 2019 and highlighting Beijing’s efforts to reinforce ties with its isolated neighbor amid shifting regional dynamics.

“The U.S. assertion to backbite the status of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state has no legally binding force,” Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by state media, using the acronym for North Korea’s official name. She also dismissed as “false information” a recent U.S. announcement that President Donald Trump and Xi had reaffirmed a shared commitment to North Korea’s denuclearization during a summit in Beijing last month.

The remarks underscore Pyongyang’s increasingly entrenched position on nuclear weapons since negotiations between Kim Jong Un and Trump collapsed in 2019 without an agreement on sanctions relief and disarmament measures.

Since then, North Korea has accelerated efforts to strengthen its nuclear and missile capabilities. During a visit last week to a newly established nuclear materials production facility, Kim Jong Un said the country would expand its nuclear forces at an “exponential rate.” State media reported Sunday that he also visited a weapons factory a day earlier and ordered a 2.5-fold increase in missile production capacity under the current five-year development plan.

Kim Yo Jong accused the United States and South Korea of pursuing continuous military buildups, arguing that North Korea’s policy of strengthening its nuclear deterrent was a defensive necessity and an irreversible strategic decision.

Security analysts say Xi’s visit is expected to focus on restoring China’s influence over North Korea at a time when Pyongyang has deepened its political and military cooperation with Russia. Observers expect Beijing to prioritize economic cooperation and regional stability while avoiding direct pressure on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program.

North Korea has emerged as a significant supporter of Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, supplying troops and conventional weapons, according to U.S. and South Korean officials. In return, Pyongyang is believed to have received economic support and other forms of assistance from Moscow, further strengthening ties between the two countries.

The latest exchange highlights the growing gap between Washington’s denuclearization objectives and Pyongyang’s declared intention to expand its strategic weapons capabilities, a divide that continues to complicate diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting in Gyeongju during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit has opened a hopeful chapter for peace and cooperation in East Asia.

President Lee’s request for China’s support in re-engaging North Korea and President Xi’s warm response to deepen collaboration demonstrate a shared commitment to regional stability, mutual respect, and economic progress.

Xi’s first visit to South Korea in 11 years symbolizes a renewed effort to strengthen diplomatic ties. Both nations acknowledged the importance of strategic communication, shared prosperity, and fostering mutual trust.

Lee emphasized the positive momentum forming for engagement with North Korea, expressing optimism about creating favorable conditions for renewed dialogue and understanding on the peninsula.

President Xi highlighted the inseparable partnership between China and South Korea, emphasizing that Beijing attaches great importance to this relationship.

The leaders agreed to uphold cooperation in addressing challenges, promote regional peace, and enhance dialogue through friendly consultation.

This diplomatic milestone reflects the growing determination of both nations to maintain open channels of communication, despite global tensions.

During the summit, China and South Korea signed seven important agreements, including a won-yuan currency swap and memorandums of understanding focused on innovation, online crime prevention, biopharmaceuticals, and industries supporting aging populations.

These agreements underline the strong economic partnership between the two countries and their shared goal of building a sustainable, innovation-driven future.

Lee’s balanced foreign policy aims to strengthen South Korea’s alliance with the United States while maintaining constructive relations with China. His vision focuses on peaceful engagement, mutual economic benefit, and balanced diplomacy that contributes to the broader stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

By taking a pragmatic approach to North Korea’s denuclearization, Lee hopes to lay the foundation for long-term peace and cooperation across the peninsula.

Despite North Korea’s recent rejection of talks, Lee remains committed to diplomacy. His call for a phased denuclearization process starting with engagement shows his belief in steady progress through communication rather than confrontation.

President Xi’s willingness to support these efforts indicates China’s readiness to play a constructive role in ensuring peace and balance in the region.

Both leaders also explored ways to expand cooperation in new sectors like artificial intelligence, green technology, and aging population management—areas that hold tremendous potential for innovation and sustainable growth. Their discussions emphasized respect for each nation’s development path, the need for mutual understanding, and the importance of cooperation in solving shared challenges.

During the talks, Lee raised issues related to cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and maritime cooperation, while Xi expressed support for fostering friendship and cultural understanding between their peoples.

Both nations recognized that strengthening people-to-people ties is key to overcoming historical tensions and shaping a positive future together.

President Lee’s commitment to curbing divisive protests and improving South Korea’s global image also reflects his focus on unity and progress.

By promoting harmony within his country and abroad, he is working to position South Korea as a beacon of peace, modernity, and democratic strength in Asia.

As both nations look ahead, the spirit of cooperation that defined this summit promises a stronger partnership and a more peaceful regional environment.

The meeting between President Lee and President Xi has created new opportunities for diplomacy, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange, setting the stage for a more stable and prosperous East Asia.