Kim Jong Un visits Chinese border city of Dandong

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a one-day trip to the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday, Al Jazeera English and the South China Morning Post reported. He crossed the newly opened New Yalu River Bridge, which connects North Korea with China and opened approximately a week ago. [2][3][5]

During his visit, Kim met with Wang Huning, China’s fourth-highest-ranked official, according to Al Jazeera English. Wang conveyed cordial greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping, while Chinese state media reported that Kim waved to crowds upon crossing the strategic border link. [2][3]

The South China Morning Post reported that both sides emphasized their traditional friendship and discussed boosting cooperation. The visit represents the first trip by Kim to China in over a year, coming ahead of next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen. [5]

Kim has served as the supreme leader of North Korea since 2011, following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. The country shares its northern border with China along the Yalu River. As FTMQ World reported earlier, United States and South Korean officials believe a summit between Kim and international leaders remains unlikely this year. [13][14][18]