China may not block US-NK diplomacy, but unlikely to play central role: ex-US diplomat

The Korea Times - Sep 18, 2026

WASHINGTON — China may not block the resumption of diplomacy between the United States and North Korea but is unlikely to play a "central" role in their reengagement, a former senior U.S. diplomat said Thursday, ahead of the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Daniel Kritenbrink, who served as assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs from 2021-25, made the comment in response to written questions from Yonhap News Agency, noting that Beijing will be "suspicious" of any significant thaw in the Washington-Pyongyang relations. Trump and Xi are expected to have a summit in Washington, D.C., next Thursday, while Trump has expressed his intention to reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. "I would not expect China to block U.S.-DPRK diplomacy, and it may take certain limited steps to support it," Kritenbrink, now a partner at The Asia Group, a strategic advisory firm, said. DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "But Beijing will also be suspicious of

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Seoul's Jongno 3-ga rises to world's coolest neighborhood

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Gov't to closely monitor energy price volatility, vows diversification

Gov't to closely monitor energy price volatility, vows diversification

The finance minister on Friday vowed to make diplomatic efforts and diversify import sources to address recent energy price volatility amid geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol made the remarks during a meeting of economy-related ministers in the central city of Sejong, pointing out that global oil prices have recently risen sharply amid geopolitical tensions. "The government intends to remain vigilant and maintain an emergency response system to stably manage the supply of energy sources and their prices," Koo said during the meeting. Koo added that the energy supply is expected to remain stable for the time being due to the government's proactive diplomatic efforts, diversification of import sources and a strategic swap of oil reserves. "We will operate a monitoring team with the oil refining industry to check the supply of crude oil on a daily basis and take necessary measures promptly," the finance minister said. During the meeting, the government said the country will extend its fuel tax cut scheme by another two months through November to eas

Lee set for press conference amid falling approval ratings

Lee set for press conference amid falling approval ratings

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Korea to extend fuel tax cut through November amid price burdens

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N. Korean vice FM to attend UN General Assembly next week: source

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US expected to delay new excess capacity tariff announcement until after Trump-Xi summit: report

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NK leader's sister slams US-led maritime drill, vows nuclear build-up

NK leader's sister slams US-led maritime drill, vows nuclear build-up

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Lee's approval rating falls to new low of 37%: poll

Lee's approval rating falls to new low of 37%: poll

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Top court upholds 4-year prison term for ex-soldier for selling military secrets to China

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