CHINA TOPIX

03/28/2024 03:44:31 pm

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Chinese Ambassador Qiu Guohong Says North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un May Visit China

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and North Korea's Kim Jong Un

(Photo : Reuters)

A Chinese envoy said North Korea’s leader may visit China, reported a South Korean news outlet.

The Chinese ambassador to South Korea said that Kim Jong Un could embark on his first trip to China after taking power in the communist government of North Korea. This was according to a report from South Korea-based media outlet Yonhap.

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The younger Kim took over power in North Korea after the demise of his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011.
Chinese ambassador Qiu Guohong was cited by Yonhap saying the 31 year old North Korean leader has been planning to visit Beijing sometime in the near future. The report went on referring to China as the closest ally of North Korea and also its main benefactor.

Ambassador Qiu said during a forum held in Seoul that both Beijing and Pyongyang have maintained normal ties. He also added that normal visits from leaders of both nations have also been made.

Meanwhile, Chinese president Xi Jinping has not yet visited the communist country. However, he has already made trip to South Korea last July. Xi’s move has attracted global spotlight which was said to be a direct snub to North Korea by the Chinese leader.

The Chinese envoy said Kim’s planned visit to China should not be questioned whether both countries are in good relations or not. On the other hand, it is not clear whether the young North Korean leader has fully taken grip in the isolated country. The late Kim Jong Il has waited six years until he has asserted his position in the North before embarking his first trip to China.

Beijing has been heading diplomatic efforts to put an end to the nuclear weapons program held in North Korea. However, it has not reached full success even after exerting pressure and imposing sanctions from the United Nations for missile and atomic tests.

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