North Korea releases photos of Xi Jinping wearing glasses; Chinese media omits them

North Korean state media released images of Chinese President Xi Jinping wearing glasses during his visit to Pyongyang, a detail that stood out as Xi typically does not wear them in public appearances. The photos were taken during a performance attended by Xi, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and their wives.

In stark contrast, Chinese state media, including Xinhua and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, conspicuously avoided publishing any images of Xi wearing glasses. Similarly, China Central Television's broadcasts only showed footage of Xi without eyewear. This selective presentation has drawn attention from international observers.

Japanese outlet Jiji Press reported that Xi, 72, and his wife Peng Liyuan, 63, might be experiencing age-related vision changes. The report suggested that information concerning the health of top leaders is highly sensitive in China, potentially explaining the official media's decision to omit the photos.

The reason behind North Korea's decision to publish the images, including those showing Xi and Peng wearing glasses, remains unclear. The visit marked Xi's first trip to North Korea in seven years, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening strategic communication and cooperation across various fields, including economy, agriculture, and technology.