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China Invites Kim Jong-il ...N. Korea's Decision on Spotlight(more smoke from China)
Donga Ilbo ^ | 09/03/06

Posted on 09/03/2006 8:34:13 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster

/begin my translation

China Invites Kim Jong-il ...N. Korea's Decision on Spotlight

China is aggressively pursuing Kim Jong-il's visit to China in order to restore deteriorating Sino-N. Korean relationship since N. Korea's missile launches, and forestall its 'further provocation.'

In particular, Liu Xiao-ming, the new Chinese ambassador to N. Korea who is to start his work in Pyongyang this week, will convey to N. Korea President Hu Jintao's desire for official invitation, according to sources.

According to diplomatic sources in China and Seoul on Sept. 3, after heated debates last month, Chinese leadership decided to actively pursue the restoration of relationship with N. Korea which had deteriorated when China agreed to UN Security Council resolution against N. Korea after N. Korea's missile launches.

A diplomatic source in Seoul said, "Chinese leadership concluded that face-to-face summit between both leaders is essential for restoring the relationship, and decided to promote the visit by Kim Jong-il."

He continued, "Some media report mentioned (N. Korea's senior party official) Jang Sung-taek or KPA General Park Jae-kyung visited China. It could reflect the movement among top leadership of both countries. However, what Chinese leadership really wanted to invite is Kim Jong-il."

During internal discussion sessions of Chinese leadership last month, some were reported to be opposed to restoring relationship with N. Korea. Still, with the report of possible N. Korea's nuclear test, things can yet again deteriorate, and head for a disaster. It has been learned that a majority argued for one-last chance to persuade him.

Diplomatic sources in China, well-versed on Sino-N. Korean matters, said, "When Liu Xiao-ming, the new ambassador to N. Korea, presents his credentials to Kim Jong-il, it is quite likely that he will present the official invitation of President Hu."

(S. Korean) Government source commented on this, saying, "We are getting information on the Kim's visit through many channels. We are keenly interested in whether it will fall through."

He added that it is not clear yet if Kim will accept President Hu Jintao's invitation, but it would be difficult to indefinitely ignore active diplomatic efforts of China, which has substantial influence on N. Korea.

Diplomatic sources in China and Seoul especially emphasized that, if Kim Jong-il declines Hu Jintao's invitation, they expect that the relation between two countries could dangerously deteriorate to the point that its restoration would be nearly impossible, which is a factor in favor of his eventual visit.

A source in Seoul speculated, "After missile launches, N. Korean leadership continue to maintain hardline stance. Without seeing any sign of 'change' on U.S. side, N. Korea could see the visit as capitulation to international pressure. To save N. Korea's face, China may increase its aid to N. Korea as a 'gift.'"

Sources in China said, "If Kim Jong-il accepts Chinese invitation, his visit could be this week, which includes the Anniversary of N. Korea's Founding(Sept. 9), at the earliest, and the first Anniversary of Sept. 19 Joint Statement (at 6-party talks) at the latest.

Seoul, Shenyang = Yonhap News

/end my translation


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: china; hujintao; invitation; kimjongil; korea; missilelaunch; northkorea; nucleartest; persuasion; restoration; visit
All indication is that China is working to bring Kim to China for a talk. As for his visit schedule, nobody knows. For all we know, he may be already there, talking to Hu Jintao. Contrary to our expection, he could have even taken a plane ride. However, this article gives some useful information on what China is up to regarding N. Korea.
1 posted on 09/03/2006 8:34:16 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
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To: TigerLikesRooster; AmericanInTokyo; OahuBreeze; yonif; risk; Steel Wolf; nuconvert; MizSterious; ...

Ping!


2 posted on 09/03/2006 8:35:06 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
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To: TigerLikesRooster

Somehow I'm reminded of the Iranian going to Damascus
for "talks" just before Hezb'ullah kicked over the
gas can.


3 posted on 09/03/2006 8:39:16 AM PDT by tet68 ( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
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To: TigerLikesRooster

what a misleading headline, it should read china told the pot bellied lassie eater to show up at this place and at this time.


4 posted on 09/03/2006 8:39:27 AM PDT by JohnLongIsland
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To: JohnLongIsland

Nothing happens in NK without the approval of the PRC. Ignore that man behind the curtain...


5 posted on 09/03/2006 8:41:22 AM PDT by Eric in the Ozarks (BTUs are my Beat.)
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To: JohnLongIsland
Re #4

In a manner of speaking, that would be more accurate.

6 posted on 09/03/2006 8:42:03 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
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