North Korea vows to keep nuclear status as Xi prepares rare Pyongyang visit

The remarks came shortly before a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China’s Foreign Ministry has said Xi will meet Kim Jong Un to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Kim Yo Jong dismissed as false claims that Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump had reaffirmed the goal of denuclearization at a summit in May.

“We have the most accurate information on whether these claims are true or not,” she said, without elaborating.

North Korea earlier unveiled a new nuclear materials production plant, where Kim Jong Un called for an “exponential” expansion of the country’s nuclear arsenal.

Analysts believe the new plant was likely meant to strengthen North Korea’s negotiating position ahead of Xi’s visit and justify a faster buildup of its nuclear capabilities.

Xi will visit North Korea on June 8–9, his first trip there in nearly seven years.