NK premier in China – no mention of launch

North Korean Premier Kim yong-il is in Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao and, according to Yonhap, state media made no mention of the North’s planned rocket launch in April.

The premiers held hour-long talks at the Great Hall of the People before the ceremony opening the “Year of Sino-DPRK Friendship” marking 60 years of diplomatic relations. Chinese state media that covered the session, which was not open to foreign media, made no mention of the North’s rocket activity, saying the premiers discussed the nuclear talks.

The launch has got the entire region biting its nails, with the US considering intercepting the rocket and the North threatening war if they do. According to AFP, China’s foreign ministry spokesman told reporters that the “situation on the Korean peninsula is rather complicated,” without directly mentioning the launch.

Instead, China seems to be emphasizing the six-way denuclearization talks. Whether or not they would support sanctions on the North if it proceeds with the launch is a key question as this is the only other option apart from intercepting the rocket.

The AFP report says Chinese media quoted Wen as saying “China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination between the two sides on major international and local issues.” Not a promising sign.

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