Denuclearisation 'Pipe Dream': North Korea Rebukes Summit Hopes

North Korea dismissed the notion of denuclearisation as a 'pipe dream' ahead of a summit between Chinese and South Korean leaders. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping plan to discuss the issue during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea.

On Saturday, North Korea dismissed the possibility of denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula as an unattainable 'pipe dream'. This assertion came as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepared to meet at a summit scheduled on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea.

According to South Korean sources, the meeting between Xi and Lee is expected to address denuclearisation efforts, despite North Korea's adamant stance against it. Lee's office confirmed on Friday the leaders' agenda, highlighting the complexity of diplomatic relations in the region.

North Korean state media KCNA quoted Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho, underscoring North Korea's firm position as a nuclear weapons state and criticizing South Korea's views on denuclearisation as unrealistic. This development reflects the ongoing tensions and diplomatic challenges surrounding the nuclear issue in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)