The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has voiced strong reservations regarding Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s recent proposal for a bilateral summit with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un.
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), emphasized that Japan needs to make a political decision aimed at genuinely improving ties with the DPRK. Speaking on Monday, Kim criticized the summit proposal, suggesting that without addressing underlying issues of distrust and misunderstanding, the idea of a meeting alone would be futile.
According to a statement from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Yo Jong dismissed Kishida’s proposal as a potential political stunt or a bid for popularity, especially if Japan continues to infringe upon the DPRK’s sovereignty. She asserted that any hostile actions from Japan would result in the DPRK viewing it as an enemy, thereby escalating tensions.
Highlighting the importance of mutual respect, Kim urged Japan to make strategic decisions aligned with its overall interests to foster genuine improvement in bilateral relations. She assured that the DPRK’s strengthened self-defense capabilities would not threaten Japan’s security, provided that Japan respects the DPRK’s sovereignty and security interests on an equal and fair basis.
This development underscores the fragile state of DPRK-Japan relations and highlights the challenges in achieving meaningful dialogue amid ongoing sovereignty disputes and mutual suspicions.
Reference(s):
DPRK clarifies stance on Japanese PM's bilateral summit proposal
cgtn.com
