Kim takes a symbolic trip as nuclear deadline looms

SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rode a white horse up a sacred mountain on his second symbolic visit in less than two months, state media reported Wednesday, as his country is threatening provocation if the United States refuses to make concessions in nuclear diplomacy by year’s end.

The Korean Central News Agency released photos showing Kim riding on snow-covered Mt. Paektu with his wife and top lieutenants, all on white horses. Kim also climbed the mountain, the highest peak on the Korean peninsula, on horseback in mid-October.

Mt. Paektu and white horses are symbols associated with the Kim family’s dynastic rule. Kim has made previous visits there before making major decisions.

Kim said that “we should always live and work in the offensive spirit of Paektu,” according to the news agency. “The imperialists and class enemies make a more frantic attempt to undermine the ideological, revolutionary and class positions of our party.”

The latest mountain trip came as a year-end deadline set by Kim for Washington to come up with new proposals to salvage nuclear diplomacy is approaching. The negotiations have stalled for months, with North Korea trying to win major sanctions relief and outside security assurances in return for partial denuclearization.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry warned Tuesday that it’s entirely up to the United States to choose what “Christmas gift” it gets from Pyongyang. North Korean officials have previously said whether North Korea lifts its moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear tests depends on what actions the U.S. takes.

The Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday that the ruling Workers’ Party will hold a central committee meeting in late December to discuss unspecified “crucial issues” in line with “the changed situation at home and abroad.” It’s unclear what specific agendas are at stake.

Many experts say the United States is unlikely to make new proposals that would satisfy North Korea.