The announcement comes after separate summits Xi hosted in Beijing last month for US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, who met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times during his first term, has previously said he would be open to meeting the North Korean leader again.
Xi is visiting at Kim’s invitation, North Korean state media KCNA reported.
Kim was a guest at a grand military parade in Beijing last September, traveling to the Chinese capital in his signature green armored train.
Beijing has been working to lure Pyongyang – its only formal treaty ally – back into its fold after the COVID-19 pandemic froze exchanges and the North Korean leader deepened ties with Moscow by sending troops and weapons to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
– The implicit message from the Chinese side is… we are still the main actor when it comes to North Korea – said John Delury, senior associate of the Asia Society.
– One of the audience is Russia – he said.
Passenger rail service between Beijing and Pyongyang resumed in March, after a six-year suspension that began with the pandemic, and Air China later restarted flights between the capitals. However, bookings are limited to some business travelers and exchange students, while Chinese tourists are still excluded.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
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