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North Korea Slams Denuclearization as 'Pipe Dream' Amid Lee-Xi Summit

North Korea has sharply criticized denuclearization efforts just as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The North's vice foreign minister explicitly called the goal a "pipe dream" that will never happen. This statement appears timed to protest the denuclearization agenda scheduled for the Lee-Xi summit talks. The harsh rhetoric continues North Korea's pattern of rejecting international discussions about its nuclear program.

Key Points: North Korea Denounces Denuclearization Before Lee Jae Myung-Xi Summit

  • North Korea rejects denuclearization talks ahead of Lee-Xi APEC summit meeting
  • Vice Foreign Minister Pak calls denuclearization efforts a "daydream" lacking common sense
  • Pyongyang protests South Korea raising nuclear issue at international forums
  • North Korea asserts its position as nuclear weapons state is non-negotiable
2 min read

North Korea slams denuclearization as 'pipe dream' ahead of Lee-Xi summit

North Korea calls Korean Peninsula denuclearization a "pipe dream" ahead of Lee Jae Myung and Xi Jinping's APEC summit talks, escalating tensions.

"We will show with patience that denuclearization is a 'pipe dream' which can never be realized - Pak Myong-ho, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister"

Seoul, Nov 1

North Korea on Saturday denounced the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as a "pipe dream" that can never be realized, as Seoul has said President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss the issue during their summit talks.

Lee and Xi are scheduled to hold their first summit talks Saturday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. The presidential office said denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is on the agenda.

North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho criticized South Korea for seeking to raise the denuclearization issue whenever an opportunity arises, Yonhap news agency reported quoting the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"We will show with patience that denuclearization is a 'pipe dream' which can never be realized even if it talks about it a thousand times," Pak said in a statement carried by the KCNA.

He said South Korea still remains unaware that "struggling to deny the DPRK's position as a nuclear weapons state and talking about its daydream of realizing the denuclearization just reveal its lack of common sense."

DPRK is the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The North appears to protest the South Korean presidential office's announcement on the denuclearization agenda, but it also seems to be expressing its discomfort to China over the issue ahead of the Lee-Xi summit.

In May last year, North Korea denounced South Korea for stating its commitment to denuclearization of the peninsula in a joint declaration issued after the trilateral summit among leaders of South Korea, China and Japan. The North rejected it as "wanton interference" in North Korea's internal affairs."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
This reminds me of our own regional challenges. While North Korea's stance is concerning, I appreciate that South Korea continues to pursue diplomatic solutions through summits. China's role here is crucial - they need to use their influence more effectively.
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Michael C
Honestly, North Korea calling denuclearization a "pipe dream" shows their true intentions. They're never going to give up nuclear weapons voluntarily. The international community needs stronger measures, not just more summits that achieve little.
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Ananya R
As an Indian, I worry about nuclear proliferation in our neighborhood too. North Korea's behavior affects global security. Hope the Lee-Xi summit brings some positive developments, though I'm not very optimistic given past track records. 🤞
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Sarah B
While I understand the concerns about North Korea, I feel the approach needs to change. Constant pressure without addressing their security concerns hasn't worked. Maybe it's time for a different diplomatic strategy that acknowledges their perspective while maintaining denuclearization goals.
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Vikram M
The timing of this statement right before the summit is telling. North Korea wants to set the narrative. From India's experience with complex geopolitics, I'd say China holds the key here. If they're serious about peace, they can influence Pyongyang significantly.

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