North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been invited to a Chinese military parade marking the end of World War II, but it remains to be seen whether he will accept the invitation, diplomatic sources said Tuesday.
China has invited world leaders to the planned military parade, set for Sept. 3 and presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Kim has yet to visit China since taking the helm of North Korea in late 2011 amid strained ties over the North’s nuclear ambitions.
“To my knowledge, First Secretary Kim Jong-un is on the guest list for the Chinese military parade in September,” said one diplomatic source, citing discussions with Chinese officials.
The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because such discussions are confidential.
“All countries that took part in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression are invited,” the source said, using the Chinese term in describing the end of World War II.
Another diplomatic source said China is set to send a formal invitation to Kim.
Still, the two sources said whether Kim would accept the invitation remains uncertain.
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing has invited leaders of relevant countries and international organizations to the military parade.
Last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Seoul and extended an invitation to South Korean President Park Geun-hye to attend the September event in China.
Russia has said that Kim is among the world leaders who have accepted invitations to join the May 9 ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
North Korea has not officially commented on a possible visit by Kim to Moscow, but it would be his first overseas trip since coming to power.
On Monday, South Korean Ambassador to China Kim Jang-soo told reporters in Beijing that China is still unsure if Kim will visit Moscow next month.
“Russia seems to be almost confident, but China said that it remains to be seen,” the ambassador said when asked about a possible visit by Kim to Moscow. (Yonhap)
