On June 2, North Korean state media quoted Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, saying that the joint statement by U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in May regarding the goal of denuclearizing Pyongyang was 'fake news'.
The remarks followed a meeting between Trump and Xi at the White House in late May, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. According to Kim Yo Jong, the statement did not reflect reality and was merely a political ploy.
Kim Yo Jong, now one of North Korea's highest-ranking officials, frequently speaks on foreign policy issues. She argued that the statements by the U.S. and China were intended only to pressure Pyongyang, while in reality, North Korea has no intention of abandoning its nuclear program.
Observers suggest this move continues to show North Korea's hardline stance on the nuclear issue, despite diplomatic efforts from Washington and Beijing.
