Listen to “Chang Talks Korean Kim Confusion, Chinese Coronavirus Tactics” on Spreaker.
Earlier this week, CNN and NBC News both reported that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un was in grave condition and possibly even brain dead. That reporting was soon denied by China and South Korea and the world largely accepted that this was a false alarm.
China and North Korea expert Gordon G. Chang is not so sure. In a conversation with Radio America’s Greg Corombos, Chang says Kim’s absence at major events last week raises serious red flags and explains why it might take awhile before North Korea would ever confirm Kim’s death or incapacitation.
China’s veracity is clearly under a lot of scrutiny these days, but most foreign policy experts see no reason to doubt the South Korean denials of Kim’s dire health. Chang disagrees and tells us why South Korea’s aggressive public relations efforts actually raise more doubts in his mind.
Chang and Corombos then discuss what succession looks like in North Korea, how the U.S. would approach a change at the head of a nuclear nation and more. They also discuss ways China is seeking to exploit the worldwide concerns over the coronavirus.
