South Korea, China, and Japan to Discuss North Nuclear Issue in Seoul from December 28

Reuters reported that the possibility of the second six-way talks to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue taking place in January next year is increasing, quoting a senior Japanese foreign affairs official who remained unnamed.

“As China, which has been insisting on previous fine-tuning between relevant nations before the second six-way talks, softened its stance, hopes are high for the second meeting to be held next month,” said the high official.

Reuters reported that high-level diplomats of South Korea, Japan, and China are planning to discuss this issue for two days in Seoul from December 28.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov, at an interview with the Russian Itar-Tass news agency, revealed, “At the earliest, the second talks may take place next month.” Losyukov, who visited Japan last week to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue, added, “The North Korean nuclear issue is a sensitive and long-term problem, and a working group of experts from relevant nations needs to be formed.”

Ki-Hyun Kim kimkihy@donga.com