Recent reports from South Korean media have brought to light North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s striking declaration that China is now regarded as a “mortal enemy.” According to these reports, Kim has instructed North Korean diplomats stationed in China to “not be beholden to China’s whims.” This sudden shift may be linked to China’s recent crackdown on North Korean smuggling, which has even included the confiscation of items personally utilized by Kim.
An exclusive piece published on September 20 by the South Korean newspaper Joongang Ilbo revealed signs of heightened tension between North Korea and China. Several insiders from North Korea conveyed that Kim Jong-un has amplified his criticisms of China, clearly labeling it as a “mortal enemy.”
Interestingly, back in July, Kim had already directed North Korean diplomats to dismiss China’s opinions. While the exact reasons behind Kim’s harsh designation of “mortal enemy” remain somewhat ambiguous, it seems to reflect a growing dissatisfaction with China. Reports suggest that China has intensified its efforts to tackle North Korean smuggling, including seizing items owned by Kim and refusing to return them.
The coverage has noted that North Korea has been vocally expressing its displeasure with China, which was made apparent by its absence of diplomatic representation at official Chinese events attended by South Korea and other significant countries. For instance, a source revealed that North Korea’s military attaché was absent from a July 31 celebration in Beijing hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Defense in honor of the 97th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.
As per Joongang Ilbo’s findings, the Chinese government had extended invitations to North Korea as well as military attachés from other nations, including South Korea. Yet, despite being an ally, North Korea opted not to send any representatives.
Moreover, it has been reported that North Korean diplomatic staff were also barred from participating in anniversary celebrations for the Chinese military held at various Chinese embassies abroad.
Historically, Kim Jong-un has had a complex view of China as a “mortal enemy.” Han Gi-beom, a guest research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies and former chief of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, highlighted in a report earlier this year that while Kim sees the U.S. and Japan as long-standing adversaries, he views China as a foe for over 5,000 years.
Sources indicate that Kim has emphasized North Korea’s ability to survive independently from China, asserting that “we won’t make any concessions, even on small matters.” Han noted that since Xi Jinping assumed the presidency in 2012, he made a state visit to South Korea before visiting North Korea—a move that Kim interpreted as a betrayal.
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