According to government analysis, North Korean media has publicly reported on Kim Jong Un’s support for the One China principle for the first time.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, a Unification Ministry official stated that this is the first instance where North Korean media has directly reported such remarks from Kim. While he may have expressed similar sentiments before, this marks the first time North Korean media has explicitly quoted Kim on this matter.
Previously, the Korean Central News Agency reported on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to North Korea, quoting Kim as saying that its party and government will fully support all domestic and foreign policies of the Chinese party and government aimed at realizing territorial integrity based on the One China principle and building a fair and just multipolar world.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry official noted that North Korea showed exceptional courtesy during Wang’s visit, adding that it interprets this as a strengthening of exchanges, cooperation, and close communication in the process of restoring North Korea-China relations.
Regarding recent reports about the expansion of North Korea’s nuclear facilities, including those in Yongbyon, the official stated that its closely monitoring relevant developments with the partner agencies. However, it does not have any information that it can confirm at this time.
The official also declined to comment on the scope of North Korean nuclear facilities currently known to the government, stating that the Unification Ministry cannot officially confirm such information.