N.Korean dictator Kim Jong-un on a "surprise" China visit
Korean Peninsula is witnessing a hive of activity, especially with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's hurried outreach to world powers. In the latest update, an oldish green train, usually associated with transporting North Korea's ruling family, arrived in China amid heavy security. This raised speculation that high-placed representative or Kim himself is making his first visit to China after coming to power in 2011.
What aspects suggest that it was Kim visiting China?
Some media outlets suggested that it's likely that Kim sent a special envoy, possibly his sister Kim Yo-jong, to China. However, the train's resemblance to the one taken by Kim's father Kim Jong-il in 2011 during his Beijing visit and heavy security on the Friendship Bridge connecting North Korea to China suggested that this might indeed be Kim's first overseas diplomatic mission.
How have North Korea and China relations been?
North Korea and China are traditional allies, having fought together against South Korean and UN forces during the Korean War. However, ties have been strained recently as China backed US sanctions crippling North Korea's economy. Although China opposes North Korea's nuclear weapons, it doesn't want to see Kim's regime collapse, which could lead to a potential refugee crisis.
So, what exactly is Kim's agenda?
Kim is trying to placate his traditional ally before planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April and with US President Donald Trump in May. He wants to be assured of China's support if talks with South Korea and US fail. Moreover, Kim might want to send the message that meetings with arch-rivals don't indicate that China would be pushed back.
