Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Seoul for a trilateral summit with their South Korean counterpart, their first three-way talks in over four years.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his intention to meet with the North Korean leader through state media. She mentioned that the improvement of relations between Japan and North Korea depends on Japan’s ability to make practical political decisions, referencing Japan’s occupation of the Korean peninsula from 1910-45. Kim Yo Jong highlighted that Japan’s actions that antagonize North Korea or violate its sovereign rights would lead to Japan being considered an enemy. Relations between Japan and North Korea have been strained due to historical disputes, including issues related to wartime brothels and forced labor during Japan’s occupation. In response to media reports on Kim Yo Jong’s comments, Kishida emphasized the importance of a summit to address issues like the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea. North Korea admitted in 2002 to kidnapping 13 Japanese citizens in the past, with five returning to Japan. Tokyo believes 17 Japanese were abducted and continues to investigate. Japan’s top government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, stated that North Korea’s claim that the abduction issue has been resolved is “totally unacceptable.” Kishida has expressed his desire to hold talks with Kim Jong Un without preconditions and is overseeing efforts for the first summit in 20 years. South Korea’s foreign ministry stated that Seoul, the U.S., and Japan are closely cooperating on issues related to North Korea, including denuclearization. North Korea has been subject to U.N. sanctions since 2006 due to its nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. Kim Yo Jong suggested that Japan could open a new future with North Korea if it makes a political decision to improve ties based on mutual respect.