North Korea | July 12, 2024
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In a surprising move, North Korean authorities strongly criticized China’s joint declaration with Japan and South Korea issued at the end of their trilateral summit (Reuters, 29 May 2024).
World Watch Research analyst Thomas Muller gives some background information: “The declaration merely states that the three parties ‘reiterated their positions on regional peace and stability [and the] denuclearization of the Korean peninsula …’. China had reportedly insisted on watering down previous versions which had called for ‘pursuing denuclearization’. Even so, North Korea called the declaration a grave political provocation that violates its sovereignty. While the significance of this incident should not be overestimated – especially since the general North Korea-China relationship seems to be well on track and even deepening - the criticism may do more than simply reveal North Korean sensitivity. It may also be indicative of the growing international status North Korea and its leader are beginning to enjoy, given that ties with Russia have grown considerably in recent years. In any case, none of this is good news for the hidden Christian minority in the country, as such increased boldness helps the regime to continue its repressive domestic policies without any scrutiny.”
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