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Thu, January 24, 2019 | 07:42

Opinion > Columnists > Lee Seong-hyon >

Why Kim visits China again?

Here's the initial observation on the latest intrigue behind Kim Jong-un's China visit. First of all, even for many Chinese analysts on North Korea, Kim's visit to China this time came as something “unexpected.” Kim already visited China three times last year. Therefore, it was widely expected that, it would be Chinese leader Xi Jinping's turn to visit North Korea. Xi himself said he would do so, during his meeting with President Moon Jae-in November last year.

Lee Seong-hyon | 2019-01-10 17:02

China-NK relations in 2019

One year ago, I argued in the “2018 Global Politics Forecast” (an annual publication by the Sejong Institute) that China could stage a summit with North Korea in the New Year. First, from their recent history, I was cognizant that for China, the North Korea problem is not so much about North Korea per se, but a part of Beijing's bigger regional strategy in dealing with the U.S.

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-12-25 16:55

Mao's nuclear libido

When the Truman administration in 1945 dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan, Mao Zedong's reaction was uncommon. He belittled the nuclear bomb as a “paper tiger” (zhi lao hu). He said that "American reactionaries" were trying to scare people by exaggerating the power of nuclear weapons. Mao's remarks were for domestic audience. He was trying to reassure the Chinese people.

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-12-11 17:30

David Sanger and North Korea

In the summer of nuclear love in 1998, a big story was broken by the New York Times, which said, “United States intelligence agencies have detected a huge secret underground complex in North Korea that they believe is the centerpiece of an effort to revive the country's frozen nuclear weapons program.” The story was powerful, like a nuclear weapon.

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-11-27 17:03

Crucible of NK nuclear negotiation: Pakistan vs. Libya

The U.S. is ultimately concerned that Kim Jong-un may have undeclared plans to seek a tacit nuclear power status, like Pakistan. North Korea is ultimately concerned the United States may seek a regime change after Pyongyang hands over an inventory of nuclear facilities, as happened with Libya. These remain the key stumbling blocks between Washington and Pyongyang.

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-11-13 17:57

US-China conflict and Korea

BEIJING - International affairs surrounding Northeast Asia face a high level of unprecedented uncertainty. The U.S. under the Trump administration emphasizes “America First” and alienates its allies, disrupting an alliance system it architected.

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-10-30 17:31

Meeting Kim Jong-un 'again' for the first time

WASHINGTON D.C. - Marcus Borg, the author who penned, “Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time,” engages in a thoughtful inquiry that is both intellectual and spiritual. He compares the popular image of Jesus with the “real” Jesus. In the end, he sums up everything about being Christian this way: “The key aspect of it consists of believing that Jesus was who he said he was,” letting go of our previous conception about him.

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-10-16 17:25

Why China needs to make concessions for end-of-war declaration?

China is fully aware the U.S. is reluctant to announce an end-of-war declaration with North Korea because of China itself. Both the U.S. and China view such a declaration in terms of their geopolitical competition, which boils down to the question of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-10-02 19:03

China's shift on Korean peace declaration

Chinese leader Xi Jinping reportedly said he would willingly bless a trilateral peace declaration to end the Korean War. If true, that would signify that Beijing has made a concession to help break the current North Korea-U.S. stalemate in denuclearization talks.

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-09-18 17:04

Mao, Kim Il-sung and the 'Dongbei' region

Chinese leader Jiang Zemin (term: 1993-2003) was aghast when his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-il told him, “I have to inspect northeastern China.” Jiang said the word “inspect” (shicha) means making a checkup of one's own country. Since you're visiting another country, you're paying a “visit” (fangwen) to that region.” Kim nonchalantly responded: "My father said northeastern China is ours."

Lee Seong-hyon | 2018-09-04 17:33

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