PYONGYANG: Pyongyang said on Friday it had “nothing to talk” about with Japan after claiming that a Japanese diplomat in China had made contact with a North Korean counterpart.
North Korea has rebuffed any prospect of dialogue with Japan, stating firmly that there is “nothing to talk about” between the two nations. The declaration comes following attempts by a Japanese diplomat in China to establish contact with a North Korean counterpart, a move swiftly dismissed by Pyongyang.
Tensions between North Korea and Japan have continued for decades, primarily stemming from historical grievances such as the abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as North Korea’s pursuit of banned weapons programs. Despite intermittent signs of a thaw in relations, recent developments indicate a deepening rift between the two East Asian neighbors.
A North Korean diplomat in China revealed on Friday that an official from the Japanese embassy in Beijing had proposed contact via email, which was promptly rejected by Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. Choe emphasized that North Korea does not consider dialogue with Japan a priority, asserting that “the DPRK-Japan dialogue is not a matter of concern to the DPRK.”
Possibility of Talks Between North Korea and Japan
The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong, had previously hinted at the possibility of a summit between her brother and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. However, she later dismissed the idea, citing Japan’s perceived lack of “courage” to improve relations with North Korea.
North Korea’s ambassador to China, Ri Ryong Nam, reiterated Pyongyang’s stance, stating unequivocally that there is no reason for dialogue with Japan at any level.
Despite North Korea’s reluctance, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida has expressed willingness to engage with Kim Jong Un, even offering to meet “without any conditions” and address various matters, including the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents. However, Choe criticized Kishida for persistently emphasizing the abduction issue, questioning his motives.
