Top North Korea, China Generals Meet In Beijing

Chinese and North Korean servicemen on parade. © Reuters / Wang Zhao / Danish Siddiqui

Washington Times: Top North Korea, China generals huddle in Beijing

BEIJING — Top military leaders from North Korea and China have recommitted themselves to strengthened exchanges between their armed forces during a meeting in Beijing.

The meeting Saturday came as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised another test-firing of an unspecified new weapon, seen as an attempt to pressure Washington and Seoul over nuclear negotiations and joint military exercises.

The official Xinhua News agency says Zhang Youxia, the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, met Kim Su Kil, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army.

Read more ....

Update #1: Zhang Youxia meets with DPRK military official (Global Times)
Update #2: China & N. Korea ‘to boost military ties & provide security in Asia-Pacific’ amid tensions with US (RT)

WNU Editor: When China is faced with numerous problems .... presently it is Hong Kong, South China sea disputes, trade war, etc. .... they always go to their closest allies (like North Korea) and have this show.

North Korean Trade With China Shrank By Half In 2018

SCMP: North Korean trade with biggest partner China dives 48 per cent amid sanctions

* Reliance on communist neighbour takes overall foreign trade volume below US$3 billion for first time since Kim Jong-un took power, according to report
* Observers say slow economic growth could weaken regime in the long run, but Beijing is expected to keep UN measures in place for now

North Korea’s trade with China has again fallen sharply, taking the country’s overall foreign trade volume below US$3 billion for the first time since Kim Jong-un took power in 2011.

Trade with China totalled US$2.7 billion in 2018, down 48.2 per cent from a year earlier, according to a report from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency on Friday.

But according to the report, “North Korea’s Foreign Trade Trend in 2018”, the country’s trade reliance on its communist neighbour reached a record high last year.

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Update #1: N. Korea's 2018 trade shrank by half compared to 2017: trade agency (Arirang)
Update #2: Sanctions halve North Korea's 2018 trade (Korea Times)

WNU editor: If these numbers are true, China is indeed putting the "screws" to North Korea.

Chinese President Xi Ends His State Visit To North Korea

Reuters: Kim, Xi agree to grow ties whatever the external situation: North Korean media

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and China’s President Xi Jinping reached a consensus on “important issues,” and agreed to build on their countries’ friendly relations “whatever the international situation,” North Korean state media reported.

Xi left the North Korean capital Pyongyang on Friday after a two-day visit, the first by a Chinese leader in 14 years. State-run news agency KCNA issued a report on Saturday of the results of the visit.

China is North Korea’s only major ally and Xi’s visit was aimed at bolstering the isolated country against pressure from United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes and stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.

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More News On Chinese President Xi Ending His State Visit To North Korea

China's President Xi completes state visit to North Korea: China state media -- Reuters
China ready to join DPRK in turning blueprint of bilateral ties into reality: Xi -- Xinhuanet
Xi concludes successful visit to North Korea -- Global Times
Pyongyang, Beijing agree on deepening relations -- Korea Times
Pyongyang Meeting Seen as Bolstering Xi Ahead of Trump Talks -- VOA
Low-key Kim-Xi summit vital to both sides -- Asia Times

Chinese President Xi Continues His State Visit To North Korea

Daily Mail: Hundreds of thousands of Pyongyang residents line up the streets to welcome China's President Xi as he arrives in North Korea to hold talks with Kim Jong-un ahead of meeting with US President Trump at G20

* China's President Xi landed in Pyongyang today for a two-day state visit to N. Korea to meet with Kim Jong-un
* Footage from Chinese state media shows residents passionately waving fake flowers to welcome President Xi
* Xi and Kim reportedly greeted the public from a limousine before being saluted at Kim Il-sung's mausoleum
* Trip comes days before the Chinese head of state is expected to meet with U.S. President Trump in Japan
* Both Xi and Kim are locked in separate disputes with the U.S. - Xi over trade and Kim over nuclear weapons
* Kim said in today's meeting with Xi that his country is waiting for a desired response in stalled nuclear talks
* Xi said his government is willing to play a constructive role in the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula

Hundreds of thousands of Pyongyang residents today lined up the streets to welcome China's President Xi Jinping for his first state visit to North Korea, according to Chinese state media.

Footage released by Beijing's state broadcaster CCTV shows men, women and children passionately waving what appears to be fake flowers as well as both countries' national flags at the airport and along the road.

More than 250,000 citizens reportedly swarmed to the streets between Pyongyang International Airport and Kumsusan State Guesthouse - where Xi and his wife will be staying - to get a glimpse of the Chinese President and their Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.

The two leaders waved to the public from a convertible limousine, reported China's Xinhua News Agency.

Read more ....

More News On Chinese President Xi Continuing His state Visit To North Korea

The Latest: N. Korea leader seeks ‘active response’ in talks -- AP
'I love you, China': North Korea woos Xi in lavish state visit -- Reuters
North Korea’s Kim meets China’s Xi, says awaiting US actions. -- AP
China's Xi says world hopes North Korea-U.S. talks can succeed -- Reuters
China's Xi Tells North Korea's Kim World Wants More U.S. Talks -- Bloomberg
N. Korea's Kim Tells China's Xi He Wants to Be 'Patient' With US -- VOA
Xi’s North Korea visit set to cement traditional friendship -- Global Times
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to North Korea serves as a reminder that Kim Jong-un still needs friends on the world stage -- SCMP
Xi Jinping's lavish landing in North Korea is an embarrassing reminder that Kim Jong Un has no working plane of his own -- Business Insider

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in North Korea

BBC: Xi Jinping visits N Korea to boost China's ties with Kim

China's President Xi Jinping is heading to North Korea for a meeting with Kim Jong-un, in the first Chinese state visit to the North since 2005.

The two, who have met in China four times, are expected to discuss the stalled talks over the North's nuclear programme as well as economic issues.

China is hugely important to North Korea, as its main trading partner.

Mr Xi's visit comes a week before the G20 summit in Japan, where he is set to meet US President Donald Trump.

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More News On Chinese President Xi Jinping Arriving In North Korea

China’s Xi arrives in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un -- AP
China's Xi arrives in North Korea: Chinese state media -- Reuters
Xi Jinping in Pyongyang to meet Kim Jong-un, reboot alliance -- France 24
Xi Jinping arrives in North Korea -- DW
Xi Jinping arrives in Pyongyang, marking first visit by Chinese leader to North Korea in 14 years -- CNN
China's Xi arrives in North Korea, set to hold talks with Kim -- Al Jazeera

Chinese President Xi In An Op-Ed Gives North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un His Support To Solve Korea Peninsula Issues

Daily Mail: China's President Xi Jinping vows to support Pyongyang 'no matter what happens' ahead of his first state visit to North Korea

* China backs N. Korea 'no matter how the international situation changes', Xi says
* The statement appeared in a friendship letter penned by Xi a day before his visit
* Xi is set to hold talks with Kim Jong-un during the two-day trip from tomorrow
* He may try to use his summit with Kim as leverage against Trump, experts say
* Kim also wants to strengthen his position against Trump as nuclear talks stall

China's President Xi Jinping has said that Beijing will strengthen and further develop its friendship with Pyongyang 'no matter how the international situation changes'.

The 66-year-old leader of the Chinese Communist Party made the statement in a letter to his 'good comrade' and 'good neighbour', North Korea, one day before his first-ever state visit to the reclusive country.

President Xi also said that the traditional friendship between the two countries had greatly benefited their people and written a much praised tale on the international stage.

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WNU Editor: I was surprised on the contents of this Op-Ed. Chinese President Xi is basically telling North Korean Kim Jong-Un to pursue his policies even if they are independent from China. There is no mention of red lines or limits on what Kim Jong-un can do, but the message to pursue an independent direction from China is there. The fact that Chinese President Xi will then be seeing South Korean leader Moon after this summit also tells me that President Xi wants to brief him on what is happening, and what needs to be done to get the denuclearize/reconciliation process going. I can understand why Xi is doing this. If he says any of this at the G20 summit next week (and in the presence of President Trump) he would be losing face. Best to pursue this new policy by giving South Korean leader Moon the credit,and to tell him to grab it. But make no mistake on what is happening. This is a major change in China's policy towards the Korean peninsula, and the 800lb gorilla in the room that no one is talking about and who has made all of this possible is President Trump.

Update: Presidents Xi and Trump talked yesterday (link here). I am sure that after trade, North Korea was the second point that was discussed.

More News On Chinese President Xi Jinping Giving North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un His Support To Solve Korean Peninsula Issues

Xi supports North Korea’s direction on issues ahead of visit -- AP
Xi visit raises prospect of 'concrete cooperation' with North Korea -- Reuters
China's Friendship With North Korea "Irreplaceable", Says Xi Jinping -- NDTV/AFP
Xi firmly backs Pyongyang's effort to solve Korea Peninsula issues: Rodong Sinmun -- Reuters
Ahead of a visit to North Korea, China’s Xi says he supports denuclearization -- CNBC
Xi Jinping says he will support Kim Jong-un 'no matter what' in rare front page op-ed ahead of visit -- The Telegraph
Chinese President Xi Jinping gives North Korean leader Kim Jong-un his full support -- SCMP
Xi set to pull Kim Jong Un out of his shell -- Nikkei Asian Review
What to watch for at Kim-Xi summit in North Korea? -- FOX News/AP

China Shuts Down The 'Underground Railroad' Used By North Korean Defectors

Photo sheets of the North Korean refugees helped by the North Korea Refugees Human Rights Association of Korea are displayed in Seoul, South Korea, June 11, 2019. REUTERS/Josh Smith

Reuters: Chinese raids hit North Korean defectors' 'Underground Railroad'

SEOUL (Reuters) - A decade after leaving her family behind to flee North Korea, the defector was overwhelmed with excitement when she spoke to her 22-year-old son on the phone for the first time in May after he too escaped into China.

While speaking to him again on the phone days later, however, she listened in horror as the safe house where her son and four other North Korean escapees were hiding was raided by Chinese authorities.

“I heard voices, someone saying ‘shut up’ in Chinese,” said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect her son’s safety. “Then the line was cut off, and I heard later he was caught.”

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WNU Editor: North Korea is currently experiencing massive food shortages. It looks like the Chinese are worried that the current inflow of people may end up becoming a flood, and they are shutting it down.

Massive Explosion Triggers A Small Earthquake Near China's Border With North Korea

Hunchun, with 220,000 residents, is situated on China's border with North Korea and Russia

Daily Mail: Suspected explosion triggers a small earthquake near China's border with North Korea ahead of President Xi's state visit to Pyongyang

A magnitude 1.3 quake was monitored today in the Chinese city of Hunchun
Authority said it was caused by a suspected explosion without giving details
The city in China's Korean Autonomous Prefecture borders N. Korea and Russia
Comes as President Xi is set to pay a two-day state visit to Pyongyang this week

A suspected explosion triggered a small explosion today near the China-North Korea border, according to Chinese authorities.

The magnitude 1.3 quake took place in the Chinese city of Hunchun at 19:38pm local time with a focal depth of zero metres, reported China seismic network.

The news comes as Chinese President Xi is set to pay a two-day state visit to North Korea from Thursday.

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WNU Editor: Apparently it was a blast at a quarry that caused this seismic event .... Rock blasts cause quake near China-North Korea border (AFP).

China's President Xi Will Be In North Korea On June 20 And 21 For A State Visit

Daily Mail: Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his first state visit to Pyongyang ahead of G20 summit

* China's President Xi will be in North Korea on June 20 and 21 for a state visit
* Xi and Kim will hold talks and visit the Friendship Monument in Pyongyang
* Xi will be the first Chinese leader to visit the reclusive neighbour in 14 years
* Kim has visited China four times since March, 2018, to have meetings with Xi
* Comes amid a protracted dispute over the North's denuclearisation with the US
* President Trump expects to meet with Xi to discuss trade war this month at G20

Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a state visit to Pyongyang this week, China's state media reported today.

The two-day trip, set to take place on Thursday and Friday, will make 66-year-old Xi the first Chinese leader to visit the reclusive country in 14 years.

China is North Korea's lone major ally and the visit comes amid a protracted dispute over the North's denuclearisation with the United States.

Read more ....

More News On Chinese President Xi Visiting North Korea On June 20 And 21

Chinese President Xi Jinping to make first official trip to North Korea this week -- SCMP
Xi Jinping accepts offer to visit Pyongyang, North Korea state media says -- SCMP
State media say Chinese President Xi to visit North Korea -- AP
China's President Xi to visit North Korea this week -- Reuters
China's Xi to visit North Korea this week ahead of G20 -- AFP
Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit North Korea -- DW
China's President Xi to visit North Korea this week -- Al Jazeera
China’s President Xi Jinping to visit N. Korea this week – state media -- RT

China Will Block Any Korean Reunification

North Korea-China relations has been described by analysts as complex and strategic. (KCNA via Reuters)

Tasha Wibawa, ABC News Online: China and North Korea's 'blood alliance' has complicated the chances of reunification

North Korea's relationship with China has been historically described as akin to "lips and teeth", in that the nations cannot function without each other.

The Chinese saying refers to the country's 70-year relationship dating back to the Korean War of 1950-1953, when the Soviet Union and China supported North Korea as its army invaded South Korea.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, China has been described by analysts as "the most important country sustaining North Korea", but the historic "blood alliance" — a term used to describe their relationship dating back to North Korean supreme leader Kim Il-sung, and Chairman Mao Zedong — has been far more complicated.

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WNU Editor: What China and Kim Jong-un may want is one thing. What the people in North Korea may want is another. For the moment the status quo is being maintained through threats and force, but if history is any guide, when a population wants something else they usually get it. The North Koreans are now being exposed to the outside world, and I am sure there is a hunger to live that type of life instead of the one that they have been living through all their lives. The question is .... when will that happen, and the role that South Korea will play.

By Walking Away From The Hanoi Summit President Trump Is Sending A Message To Chinese President Xi

U.S. President Donald Trump takes part in a welcoming ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, November 9, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Edmund DeMarche, Fox News: At Hanoi summit, China’s Xi saw a president willing to walk away: Gordon Chang

President Trump may have hit a roadblock when North Korea's Kim Jong Un refused to meet his demands at Thursday's Hanoi summit, but Trump’s decision to walk away could serve to rattle China’s Xi Jinping.

Gordon Chang, an expert on the region and author of “The Coming Collapse of China,” argued that what on the surface looked like a diplomatic stalemate could in fact be a diplomatic coup for Trump when it comes to North Korea's neighbor.

“I think this is a moment of reassessment for China,” Chang said.

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WNU Editor: Darn!!!! I was about to write a post saying the same thing, but Gordon Chang beat me to it. The above analysis is spot on. President Trump is sending a very clear message to Chinese President Xi that by walking away from the nuclear talks he is also willing to walk away from current trade talks if China continues to not wanting to compromise on their trade policies. I am also willing to bet that the U.S. is going to ratchet the pressure on North Korea by ratcheting up the pressure on their chief ally China via through trade to do something about it. Bottom line .... I do not need to contact my friends in China to know what is happening. I know enough to know that right now there is a huge reassessment in Beijing on what to do next when it comes to President Trump.

Update: Yup .... Trump-Kim summit 2019: Xi could be ‘more helpful’, says US president (SCMP).

Chinese President Xi Jinping To Meet North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un In Pyongyang In April

Kim’s visit to Beijing last week might have been a precursor to his upcoming summit with Donald Trump. Photo: Xinhua

SCMP: Xi Jinping set to meet Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang in April, South Korean sources say

* Chinese leader’s first visit to North Korea as president may coincide with Day of the Sun holiday on April 15, sources say
* Talks expected to take place after Kim’s second summit with US President Donald Trump, which sources say will be in Vietnam

Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to make his first visit to North Korea in April, and the two sides are agreed on the matter, South Korean parliamentary sources told the South China Morning Post.

“Pyongyang and Beijing have reached a general consensus that Xi will visit Pyongyang in April,” said one of the sources, who has close ties to the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee in Seoul.

North Korea has issued repeated invitations for Xi to visit – including in September to attend its national day celebrations – but in the six years since he was elected president he has yet to accept.

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WNU Editor: This would be their fifth meeting in the past year.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un Ends Beijing Visit

CNN: Kim Jong Un departs Beijing after meetings with Xi Jinping

Beijing (CNN)North Korean leader Kim Jong Un departed Beijing Wednesday by train, marking an end to his surprise visit to the Chinese capital that comes as Washington and Pyongyang are trying to hammer out the details of a second summit.

Kim and his delegation are now expected to begin the 13-hour trip to the town of Dandong, which sits on the border between China and North Korea. Kim is expected to spend a total of four days in China, entering the country Monday and leaving early on Thursday.

The visit was Kim's third to Beijing and fourth to China since March 2018, in what was his first trip outside North Korea since assuming power in 2011. He arrived in Beijing in his famed armored train early Tuesday morning and held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China is North Korea's only real ally internationally and is Pyongyang's biggest trading partner by some margin.

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WNU Editor: No details were released on what was discussed. But my guess is that it was focused on two things. To grow the economic relationship, and what are China's expectations from the upcoming summits and discussions with U.S. and South Korean officials on how to propel the Korean peace talks forward.

More News On North Korea's Kim Jong Un Ending His Beijing Visit

Kim Jong Un heads home via train after 2-day Beijing visit -- AP
Train believed to be carrying North Korea's Kim leaves Beijing -- Reuters
Kim Jong-un leaves Beijing after visit to traditional Chinese medicine factory -- SCMP
North Korea's Kim ends China visit as Trump summit looms -- Al Jazeera
North Korea's Kim Jong-un Reportedly Leaves Beijing by Personal Train (PHOTOS) -- Sputnik

North Korea's Kim Jung-un Visits China At Xi Jinping's Invitation

ABC News Online: Kim Jong-un visits China for summit after warning of alternate path should US not ease North Korea sanctions

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, only days after warning he may take an alternative path if the United States does not ease sanctions and pressure on his isolated country.

The visit, confirmed by North Korean and Chinese state media, will likely lead to Mr Kim's fourth summit with Mr Xi in the last year and comes amid plans for a second summit with US President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearising the Korean peninsula.

Read more ....

More News On North Korean Leader Kim Jung-un Visiting China At Xi Jinping's Invitation

The Latest: NKorea leader’s motorcade leaves Beijing station -- AP
North Korea's Kim visiting China for fourth summit: media -- Reuters
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un arrives in Beijing for talks -- AP
North Korea's Kim Jong-un visits China's Xi Jinping -- BBC
N. Korea's Kim visits China ahead of expected Trump summit -- AFP
Kim Jong-un arrives in China for meeting with Xi Jinping -- The Guardian
North Korea's Kim Jong Un arrives in China on 4-day trip -- DW
Kim Jong Un Arrives in China for His Fourth Visit in a Year -- The Wall Street Journal
North Korea says Kim Jong Un traveling to China for talks with Xi -- The Hill
North Korea's Kim visiting China at Xi Jinping's invitation -- Al Jazeera
Kim seeks to up ante with Xi summit: analysts -- AFP

Chinese - North Korean Trade Flourishing Despite Sanctions

Asia News: The (illegal) trade between China and North Korea returns

Despite international sanctions, the exchange of goods on the border between the two nations is once again flourishing. Mainly steel and rare minerals fundamental for the development of the hi-tech industry in China.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - International sanctions have not completely abolished trade between China and North Korea. According to Radio Free Asia, after an initial period of cooling between the two nations, the economic exchange would have resumed and is flourishing at the border. The most requested products are North Korean steel and rare earths, minerals fundamental for the development of the hi-tech industry in China.

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WNU Editor: No one is surprised by this .... China appears to relax North Korea sanctions: Report to US Congress (Channel News Asia/Reuters).

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Tells Chinese Envoy That They Are Upholding U.S. Nuclear Deal

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and China's Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), wave to people while attending a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of North Korea's foundation in Pyongyang, North Korea, September 9, 2018. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

Reuters: Kim Jong Un tells Chinese envoy North Korea is upholding U.S. nuclear deal

BEIJING (Reuters) - North Korea leader Kim Jong Un told an envoy of Chinese president Xi Jinping that North Korea is upholding the denuclearisation agreement it reached with the United States this year, China’s state broadcaster said.

Chinese parliament chief Li Zhanshu, who is in Pyongyang for celebrations marking 70 years since the founding of North Korea, was told by Kim that North Korea hopes the United States keeps to its side of the agreement, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Kim met U.S. President Donald Trump in June and agreed to “work toward the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula”, but negotiations appear to have stalled since then, with both sides increasingly critical of each other over a lack of progress.

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WNU Editor: We shall see.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Returns To Pyongyang After Spending Two Days In China

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju walk upon arriving in Beijing, China, in this undated photo released June 20, 2018 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS

Reuters: North Korea, China discuss 'true peace', denuclearization: KCNA

SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping came to an understanding on issues discussed at a summit of the two leaders, including denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, the North’s state media said on Wednesday.

Kim and Xi assessed the historic meeting Kim had with U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore last week and exchanged opinions on ways to resolve the issue of denuclearization, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

The North Korean leader also promised during a meeting with Xi in Beijing to cooperate with Chinese officials to secure “true peace” in the process of “opening a new future” on the Korean peninsula, it said.

Xi told Kim the neighbors’ joint efforts could definitely ensure peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, China’s official Xinhua news agency said.

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WNU Editor:  A lot of praise from both sides .... but no real changes happening on the ground (for now).

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Is In China For His Third Trip To The Country In 3 Months

ABC News Online: North Korea's Kim Jong-un makes state visit to China, his third in recent months

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has landed in Beijing, in his first visit to China since his historic meeting with US President Donald Trump.

In a rare move, China's Government confirmed Mr Kim's two-day visit shortly after he touched down.

Previously Beijing has waited for him to leave the country before confirming his visits.

Security was tight at the Beijing airport where paramilitary police prevented journalists from shooting photos. A motorcade including sedans, minibuses, motorcycles and a stretch limo with a golden emblem was seen leaving the airport. The vehicles did not appear to be carrying flags.

Roads near the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where senior Chinese officials meet with visiting leaders, were being closed and a motorcade with motorcycle escorts was seen heading into the compound.

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WNU Editor: I find it more revealing that Chinese President Xi has yet to visit North Korea .... but North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made the trek to see him 3 times. Take it from me .... this type of protocol is being done for a reason.

More News On North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Visiting China For The Third Time In 3 Months

Kim Jong-un visits China after Trump summit -- BBC
North Korea's Kim visits Beijing; South Korea, U.S. halt military drill -- Reuters
Kim Jong Un visiting China, expected to discuss his nukes -- AP
Kim Jong Un visits China to meet Xi Jinping, complicating things for Trump -- Washington Post
Kim Jong-un arrives in Beijing for third visit this year a week after summit with Trump -- The Independent
Kim Jong Un makes third surprise visit to China in less than 3 months -- ABC News
Kim Jong Un visits Beijing after Trump summit -- Financial Times
China says N Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting Beijing -- Japan Today
North Korea's Kim Jong-un in China for two-day visit -- Al Jazeera
Kim Jong Un visits China for the third time, showing ties with Beijing are stronger than ever -- Business Insider

U.S. - North Korean Talks Have Made China And Russia Feel Left Out

© REUTERS / Jonathan Ernst

Sputnik: China, Russia May Have Misgivings Over Trump-Kim Deal, Analysts Say

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Pyongyang and most of its neighbors will likely benefit the most from the US-North Korea rapprochement if it truly leads to regional stability although China may see it as a possible strategic setback and Russia may feel left out in the cold, analysts told Sputnik.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met at the summit in Singapore and committed the United States and North Korea to establishing new bilateral relations and building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump and Kim signed an agreement at the end of a bilateral summit outlining the two countries’ commitment to work towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The US president gave North Korea security assurances and indicated he would suspend military drills with South Korea, if Pyongyang gives up its nuclear development program.

Read more ....

WNU Editor:  This is one of those weird situations where China and Russia are in the loop on what is happening with North Korea, but they no longer have the influence and clout that they once had over the Hermit Kingdom. This is going to take some time for both Beijing and Moscow to get use to .... that Pyongyang will no longer be solely dependent on them for its well-being. But I predict that the bigger shock will be in Pyongyang itself .... when Kim and his government realize (if not already)  that they do not need to be dependent on just China and Russia .... that there are many other countries who are eager to open a new page with North Korea if they should decide to take it. I always say that if you can easily diversify your business into other products .... your company will succeed. The same can be said about international relations. Diversifying your international political relations can only bring benefits .... and on multiple levels. But you have to take that step to accomplish it. North Korea decided early this year to take that step. I can only hope that everuyone succeeds.

China's Intelligence Agencies Will Be Watching The Singapore Summit Very Closely

Reuters

NBC: U.S. officials prepare to thwart Chinese spying at Singapore summit

The Chinese have used everything from bugged hotel keys to “friendship” pins to spy on Americans — and they’re getting better at it all the time.

WASHINGTON — China may not have a seat at the table during President Donald Trump's upcoming nuclear summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but U.S. officials say they are preparing to counter the Chinese spies they expect to be all over Singapore next week seeking inside information on the talks.

Chinese espionage against the U.S. has become more pervasive than that of any other adversary, current and former U.S. intelligence officials tell NBC News, and the Singapore summit is the latest spy-vs.-spy battleground.

The Chinese, who have been known to bug everything from hotel keys to the gifts given to American visitors, are expected to deploy their increasingly sophisticated repertoire of intelligence gathering techniques, both human and electronic, in Singapore.

Areas of concern for the U.S. at the summit include:

Read more ....

Update: All the ways China could keep its eyes and ears on the US-North Korea summit without being there (Business Insider)

WNU Editor: Kim Jong-un boarded a Chinese private Boeing 747 jet commonly used by high-ranking Chinese officials to fly to Singapore .... so yes .... China may not be at the table, but they will be everywhere else.