The European Union and South Korea jointly affirmed that North Korea will not be granted international recognition as a nuclear power. This declaration follows a recent visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pyongyang, during which denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was notably absent from public discussions. The statement underscores a unified stance against North Korea’s nuclear ambitions despite shifting diplomatic approaches from other key players. Officials expressed concern over the lack of emphasis on denuclearization during Xi’s visit, interpreting it as a potential signal of changing priorities. Both the EU and South Korea reiterated their commitment to enforcing existing UN Security Council resolutions targeting North Korea’s weapons programs. The move aims to maintain pressure on Pyongyang to return to denuclearization talks and abandon its nuclear arsenal. This position contrasts with potential acceptance or tacit approval from other nations.