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SEOUL: North Korea’s Kim Jong Un sent a “verbal message” to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, state media KCNA reported Friday, after weeks of speculation about his health.
The news agency did not explain what a “verbal message” meant, and it was unclear whether Kim and Xi had spoken directly.
The message was “related to the fact that China is registering success in preventing the COVID-19 infection,” according to KCNA, with Kim extending his “warm regards” to Xi.
Rumors about Kim’s health have been circulating since his apparent non-appearance at the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather, the founder of the North, the most important day in the country’s political calendar.
He was absent for weeks before reappearing on May 2 at a factory opening.
Kim’s temporary disappearance sparked a series of feverish rumors and unconfirmed reports about his condition, while the United States and South Korea insisted they had no information to believe any of the conjecture was true.
The North also lashed out at the South early Friday for recent military exercises by Seoul.
“Such a reckless move by military warmongers on the south side is the height of the military confrontation that would leave even their teacher speechless,” KCNA said, according to a North Korean military spokesman.
“This is a serious provocation that can never be overlooked and this situation demands a necessary reaction from us,” said the spokesman. – AFP
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