China's top diplomat begins three-day visit to North Korea
  • 5 years ago
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Pyeongyang on Monday,... to hold talks with his North Korean counterpart.
The latest visit comes amid speculation that the two sides could discuss a possible visit to China by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The U.S. meanwhile says it will continue to closely coordinate with China regarding the visit.
Lee Seung-jae has the full story.
After leaving Beijing international airport on Monday afternoon,... Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Pyeongyang later in the day,... to meet with his North Korean counterpart during his three day stay in the North Korean capital.
The visit comes as the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced last week that the two sides will take follow-up steps to advance their relationship.
"State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit this time is to implement the consensus reached between our two countries, China and North Korea, and an important follow-up step in advancing our bilateral relationship. During the visit, State Councillor Wang Yi will hold talks with Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho."
A source in Beijing also said Wang could meet the North Korean leader during his stay,... raising further speculation that Kim Jong-un could visit China in return for Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Pyeongyang in June.
Speaking with Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency,... a U.S. State Department official says the U.S. will continue to closely coordinate with China,... but did not elaborate further.
Wang's visit comes as Pyeongyang has been ramping up its criticism of Washington amid a prolonged impasse in their nuclear talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed during their June 30th meeting at the DMZ to restart negotiations shortly,... but the talks have yet to happen.
China, North Korea's only major ally and economic benefactor, is seen as holding influence over Pyeongyang,... including through its enforcement of U.N. Security Council sanctions on the regime.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
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