Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to North Korea from October 9th to 11th has sparked controversy over his diplomatic performance in the country, with some critics accusing him of lacking dignity and being subjected to a “humiliating” meeting by Kim Jong-un.
Upon returning from North Korea, Li Keqiang’s diplomatic performance there continues to be a topic of discussion overseas. Netizens on X platform have posted photos suggesting that Li Keqiang’s diplomatic conduct was embarrassing.
Lawyer Zhong Jinhua commented: “When I first saw these two photos, I thought they were digitally altered by internet users. But after checking the news reports, it turned out to be real! China has really cheapened itself! As the Premier and Chairman of the National People’s Congress of a great nation, Li Keqiang and Zhao Leji, accompanied by a group of national leaders, were humiliated by the disgraceful meeting with Kim Jong-un, which is looked down upon by the world. This will surely enrage the Chinese people!” (Link to photos)
When meeting with visitors from Russia or Vietnam, Kim Jong-un would usually have his own team present, filling up the meeting room. However, when meeting with Li Keqiang, he only brought one official along. (Link to photos)
Some netizens expressed dismay over the state of Chinese diplomacy, questioning how it had come to such a low point of submissiveness in meetings. They even referenced historical figures like Yuan Shikai’s visit to Korea.
Critics condemned Li Keqiang’s perceived diminution of the position of Premier. They questioned when the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China had become so humble before Kim Jong-un, deeming it a loss of national dignity. Some even accused Li Keqiang of acting as if he were Kim Jong-un’s secretary. The humiliation suffered by Li Keqiang was seen as an indignity to Xi Jinping. (Link to photos)
However, some netizens took a more neutral stance, suggesting that Kim Jong-un’s meeting with Li Keqiang was similar to his previous meeting with Zhao Leji, possibly indicating a level of respect.
Li Keqiang’s initial behavior upon meeting Kim Jong-un also drew ridicule, with critics labeling China’s foreign diplomacy as a failure and the Premier’s awkward demeanor as embarrassing for a leader of a major nation.
Political commentator Cai Shunkun posted: “Li Keqiang led a delegation from the Communist Party of China to Pyongyang on a charter flight to attend the 80th anniversary parade of the North Korean Workers’ Party. It is worth noting that the state media emphasized it was a charter flight, not a special flight. Currently, the only person in the Chinese Communist Party who can travel on a special flight is Xi Jinping. From the publicly available television footage and photos, Li Keqiang does not appear to be in line for succession. Even in front of Kim Jong-un, he resembled more of an old servant or steward.”
American commentator Tang Jingyuan previously told Dajiyuan that Li Keqiang’s visit to North Korea was an unusual occurrence in the history of the Chinese Communist Party. As Li Keqiang is the Premier of the government, his attendance at the 80th anniversary celebration of the North Korean Workers’ Party, an affair pertaining to inter-party diplomacy, should have been represented by senior officials responsible for party affairs, such as the party leader himself or a Politburo member in charge of party affairs, such as Cai Qi. For instance, during the 70th anniversary of the Workers’ Party, the Chinese Communist Party was represented by Liu Yunshan.
Tang Jingyuan speculated that Li Keqiang’s attendance at the 80th anniversary celebration might have been a last-minute arrangement. After Kim Jong-un attended the September 3 parade in Beijing, Xi Jinping likely verbally agreed to attend North Korea’s parade, which later turned into Li Keqiang’s visit to North Korea, suggesting an unorthodox arrangement driven by unexpected developments.