Seoul Says Possible Xi Visit Could Open Door to US–North Korea Summit Talks

(MENAFN) South Korean officials have indicated that a potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pyongyang could create conditions where a renewed North Korea–United States summit becomes part of diplomatic discussions.

According to reports, speculation about the trip intensified after media claims that Xi could travel to North Korea as early as next week, based on information attributed to government sources and observations of recent visits by Chinese security and ceremonial personnel to Pyongyang.

If such a visit takes place, South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young suggested that the possibility of a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump would likely come up in diplomatic conversations, although he emphasized that Beijing has not confirmed any travel plans.

He described the current geopolitical moment as one of major global realignment, saying “Gigantic tectonic plates are in motion,” while referring to recent high-level interactions involving the United States, China, and Russia.

The minister further argued that the shifting international environment calls for careful strategic reflection in Northeast Asia, particularly regarding stability and long-term peace around the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, Chinese officials reiterated that relations between China and North Korea remain close and longstanding, describing the two countries as “good friends and close neighbors,” while stressing that their historical exchanges contribute to regional stability. However, no additional details were provided regarding any upcoming visit.

The possible trip is also being viewed in the broader context of recent diplomatic activity involving major powers, including high-level summits held between China, the United States, and Russia in recent weeks.

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