Kim pledges to denuclearize Korean-peninsula in meeting with China's Xi
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made his first known trip abroad since 2011 with an 'unofficial' visit to Beijing. Relations between the allies had soured in recent times, with China backing tough UN sanctions against NKorea over its nuclear program. But Kim has pledged to denuclearize the Korean peninsula in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Ties between China and NKorea had been strained recently
NKorea and China are traditional allies, having fought together against SKorean and UN forces in the Korean War. However, NKorea's pursuit of nuclear weapons strained ties. China doesn't want to see Kim's regime collapse either, which could lead to a potential refugee crisis. Attempting to pacify its neighbor, Kim told Xi, "It's our consistent stand to be committed to denuclearization on the peninsula.
An attempt to placate an ally ahead of crucial meets
The visit is being seen as an attempt to get China on its side ahead of Kim's crucial diplomatic meetings with US and SKorea. China's support will be an advantage if the upcoming talks, currently on shaky ground, fail. With this, Kim has also sent a message that though NKorea is expanding its diplomatic relations, China will not be pushed back.
US takes credit for 'maximum pressure'
While briefing Washington about the visit, Jinping sent a "personal message" to Trump too. "We see this development as further evidence that our campaign of maximum pressure is creating the appropriate atmosphere for dialogue with NKorea," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.
The two-day Beijing trip was confirmed only after he left
Kim's trip was clouded in secrecy, and was confirmed only after he left Beijing on the same armored train that arrived in the Chinese capital on Monday and stirred intense speculation. Both his father and grandfather, former NKorean leaders, used similar trains. Jinping hosted a grand banquet at the Great Hall of the People for Kim, who was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju.
What's next for Kim?
During his Beijing visit, Xi accepted an invitation from Kim to visit NKorea "at a convenient time." For now, he has meetings planned with SKorean President Moon Jae-in in April and US President Donald Trump in May. "The issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if SKorea and the US respond to our efforts with goodwill," Kim said.
