North Korean leader holds unannounced talks in China
By
Peter Symonds
28 March 2018
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has just completed a two-day visit to Beijing, during which he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was Kim’s first foreign trip since becoming leader in 2011. Facing mounting threats from the Trump administration, both governments are under pressure to mend what has become an increasingly frosty relationship.
The secrecy surrounding the arrival in Beijing of an armoured train from North Korea is evidence of the sensitivity of the North Korean leader’s trip. The train—with similar markings used by former leader and Kim’s father, Kim Jong-il—was apparently spotted by locals crossing the border from North Korea into China.
The Australian reported: “The special train crossed the Yalu River that divides the countries at the Friendship Bridge at the centre of China’s border city of Dandong—where hotels told guests they were unable to take rooms facing the railway line. A security fence was erected alongside the line and Dandong station was surrounded with banners that prevented passers-by looking in.”
The Financial Times noted: “While China did not announce their guest in advance, it did not hide the fact that an important dignitary was in Beijing by providing Mr Kim with a high-profile motorcade normally reserved for only the most important visitors.” The special guest was housed at Diaoyutai, the state guesthouse, where North Korean leaders have stayed before, and reportedly left by train yesterday.
Chinese officials only today confirmed that Kim did travel to Beijing and meet with Xi. According to the Xinhua news agency, Xi noted that the visit came “at a special time and was of great significance” as it “fully embodies the great…