CCTV
- China announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife had visited the country.
- The trip would mark the first time the two leaders had met, and the first time Kim would meet a world leader.
China announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju had visited the country on Monday, according to the country's state media.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly invited Kim for a four-day "unofficial visit" where they discussed North Korea-China relations and watched an art performance.
"We speak highly of this visit," Xi reportedly said to Kim.
The two met for the first time, and for Kim, would be the first time meeting any foreign leader.
China, North Korea's closest ally, said Kim reportedly congratulated Xi on his reelection as president, and said it was his obligation to congratulate him in person.
"Both Comrade Chairman and I have personally experienced and witnessed the development of China-DPRK relationship," Xi reportedly said, refering to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"This is a strategic choice and the only right choice both sides have made based on history and reality, the international and regional structure and the general situation of China-DPRK ties. This should not and will not change because of any single event at a particular time," Xi continued.
Xi also laid out several proposals that concerned "the development of China-DPRK relations: "We are ready to make joint efforts with the DPRK side, conform to the trend of the times, hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, continuously improve the wellbeing of the two peoples, and make positive contribution to regional peace, stability and development."
The trip fueled speculation over which high-ranking North Korean official arrived in China after an armored train was seen traveling to China earlier this week. A motorcade of Chinese policemen on motorcycles escorted armored vehicles was also spotted, although the the passengers could not be identified.
This is a developing story. Click here for the latest version.
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