Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly set to visit North Korea for the first time in seven years, following recent meetings with Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin. South Korea anticipates that Mr Xi's trip will aim to facilitate renewed talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump.
Background of the visit
The potential visit underscores North Korea's efforts to strengthen ties with China and Russia, expanding cooperation into military exchanges. Beijing's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, visited Pyongyang last month to discuss safeguarding security and deepening coordination on international issues.
Expected discussions
If the visit proceeds, discussions between Mr Xi and Mr Kim are expected to focus heavily on potential talks with the US, which North Korea has previously rejected without preconditions. South Korea views this as a crucial step towards breaking the diplomatic deadlock.
Earlier this week, President Xi held talks with Vladimir Putin in Beijing, which were described as 'successful and substantive' by the Russian leader during a tea ceremony. The timing of the North Korea visit suggests a coordinated effort among the three nations to address regional security concerns.
