China visit by North Korean foreign minister aims to shore up support amid stalled denuclearisation talks
- Surprise visit follows hard on the heels of Xi-Trump talks in Argentina
- Ri Yong-ho expected to push for easing of UN sanctions
North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho arrived in China on Thursday on a three-day trip to secure Beijing’s support for an easing of sanctions amid the continuing stalemate of denuclearisation talks with the US.
China is the neighbouring hermit kingdom’s biggest security guarantor and Ri will also be on a mission to solidify relations between the two countries.
The Chinese foreign ministry said on Tuesday Ri was expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and “exchange in-depth views” on bilateral relations; the situation on the Korean peninsula; and other issues of mutual concern. It did not elaborate.
However, Ri’s visit follows hard on the heels of last week’s US-China summit in Argentina, which included discussion of North Korea. Experts believe the sudden addition of Beijing to his itinerary has been prompted by the Xi-Trump meeting.
North Korean state media last week said only that Ri would be visiting Vietnam and Syria, with no mention of China.