North and South Korea have experienced a significant easing in tensions since the Winter Olympics in the South in February. The South Korean unification minister told reporters Kim’s visit to China was not discussed with North Korean officials on Thursday. The North Korean leader’s engagement with the international community has sparked speculation that he may try to meet other leaders. Japan’s Asahi newspaper said on Thursday Japan had sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping promised Beijing would uphold its friendship with North Korea after his meeting with Kim.

Source: Huffington Post March 29, 2018 09:11 UTC