Kim Jong-un Reportedly Discussed Dialogue with the US During China Visit

Seoul (ANTARA) – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is believed to have conveyed Pyongyang’s position on the possibility of talks with the United States during his recent visit to China.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) disclosed the information to lawmakers on Thursday during a closed-door session of parliament’s intelligence committee oversight hearing.

Youn Kun-young, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party, and Yoo Yeong-ha, of the opposition People Power Party, confirmed the intelligence report.

The NIS believes Kim had another purpose for visiting China, beyond commemorating Beijing’s participation in the Korean War in the 1950s.

Kim visited the Chinese border city of Dandong on Saturday (23 October), where he met Chinese political adviser Wang Huning and visited a war memorial.

The visit was seen as reflecting efforts by North Korea and China to strengthen their bilateral partnership.

Kim’s brief trip to China also came ahead of the APEC summit, scheduled to be held in Shenzhen in November, which US President Donald Trump is expected to attend.

Trump has previously expressed a desire to resume dialogue with Kim Jong-un.