China’s Xi Jinping tells South Korean President Moon Jae-in he may visit North Korea next year
- Chinese leader says he has received an invitation from North Korea’s Kim Jong-un
- Xi met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday that he has received an invitation to visit North Korea from the country’s leader Kim Jong-un and is considering travelling there next year.
He made the disclosure in talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Port Moresby, where they are attending a two-day summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the South Korean Presidential Office said.
Moon invited Xi to visit South Korea as part of the improving situation on the Korean peninsula, and Xi replied that he is prepared to do so next year if circumstances allow.
It would be extremely unusual for Xi to visit both North and South Korea within the same year. His remarks indicate China’s intention to boost its involvement on the peninsula.
At the meeting on the sidelines of the Apec gathering, the two leaders discussed denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and efforts to consolidate peace. They appear to have also exchanged opinions on measures to encourage North Korea’s denuclearisation process.
The talks between the two men were the first since December last year, when Moon made a state visit to Beijing.