China has confirmed that its special envoy met with North Korea's ceremonial head of state during their visit to South Korea for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Beijing's Foreign Ministry said Han Zheng, President Xi Jinping's special envoy met with North Korea's Kim Yong-nam.
The meeting has raised hope in Beijing that China and North Korea can get ties on a more solid footing following months of simmering tension over the regime's numerous nuclear and missile provocations.
However, sources say it's still early days and it's hard to expect fundamental changes within a short period of time.