BEIJING/SEOUL—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China and met Chinese leader Xi Jinping, state media of both countries said on May 8, their second encounter in two months in a flurry of diplomatic engagement that has eased tensions on the Korean peninsula.
They met on May 7 and 8 in the coastal city of Dalian ahead of what would be a historic meeting between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump that the White House has said could take place as soon as this month.
China has been keen to show it has an indispensable role in seeking a lasting solution to tension over North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons— concerned that its interests may be ignored, especially as North Korea and the United States establish contacts.
During the visit, announced only after it was over, Kim told Xi he hoped relevant parties would take “phased” and “synchronized” measures to realize denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.
“So long as relevant parties eliminate hostile policies and security threats towards North Korea, North Korea has no need for nuclear (capacity), and denuclearization can be realized,” China’s state-run media Xinhua cited Kim as saying.
Trump-Xi Call
Trump and Xi discussed developments on the Korean peninsula and Kim’s visit to China during a phone call on the morning of May 8, the White House said.
Trump and Xi agreed on the importance of maintaining sanctions on Pyongyang until it permanently dismantles its nuclear and missile programs, the White House said. Chinese state media said Xi reiterated China’s support for a U.S.-North Korea summit.
According to Chinese state television, Xi said he “hopes the United States and North Korea can build mutual trust” and “resolve each sides’ concerns through meeting and consultations.”
