China says 'Kim Jong-un and Putin meeting' is "a matter between North Korea and Russia"

Repeated Requests for Comments Met with Evasive Responses

China remained tight-lipped about the meeting between North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, who is visiting Russia, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded on the 12th during a regular briefing to a question asking, "North Korea's top leader is reportedly making a rare visit to Russia to meet President Putin. What is China's view on this exchange between the two close 'allies'?" by saying, "The visit of the North Korean leader to Russia is a matter between North Korea and Russia."

When asked similar questions, Spokesperson Mao avoided giving a direct answer, stating only, "China and North Korea are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, and currently, China-North Korea relations are developing well," adding, "Our two countries are implementing the common understanding reached by the top leaders and deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields."

Regarding plans to invite Chairman Kim to China, he said, "There is no information available to provide."

Kim’s special train, reportedly departing from North Korea on the 10th, was spotted on the morning of the same day at Hassan Station in Russia’s Primorsky Krai near the North Korea-Russia border and is said to be moving toward the northern Khabarovsk Krai. Putin announced plans to visit the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East Amur Oblast on the same day, leading to speculation that the meeting between Chairman Kim and President Putin will take place there. This spaceport is one of the locations mentioned as a possible destination for Kim’s visit to Russia.

There are expectations that during this meeting, North Korea will provide Russia with weapons and ammunition, while receiving satellite technology, food, and energy in return.