Chinese Premier Visits North Korea

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao is on a three-day state visit to North Korea to discuss—among other things—the strengthening of economic ties between the two countries. Mr. Wen’s entourage includes senior people from the Chinese Communist Party’s departments of foreign affairs, defense and commerce.

The reclusive North Korean leader, Kim Jong Il, welcomed Mr. Wen at the airport on Sunday—and they rode through Pyongyang together in a ceremonial motorcade.

China and North Korea have long been close allies and trading partners, but this is the first time in 18 years that a Chinese premier has visited North Korea. The visit comes on the 60th anniversary of formal ties between the two countries.

Analysts say North Korea is probably looking for economic aid from China. China continues to be a strong trading partner despite sanctions imposed by the United Nations following North Korea’s unauthorized nuclear test last May.

(NTDTV)