Chinese top diplomat says Beijing ready to sustain positive ties with North Korea

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday that Beijing is ready to "continue consolidating the positive momentum in the development" of ties with North Korea, as he kicked off a two-day visit to Pyongyang

It came during Wang's meeting with his North Korean counterpart, Choe Son Hui, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

"The strategic guidance of top leaders of the two parties and countries is the greatest political advantage and strongest guarantee for the development of relations" between the two countries, said Wang.

It is the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister since 2019 and comes as part of efforts by Beijing and Pyongyang to strengthen communication and coordination on regional and international issues.

It also coincides with preparations for a possible visit by US President Donald Trump to China. The White House has confirmed a state visit for May 14 - 15, though Beijing has not officially announced it.

The trip has fueled speculation that Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could meet again following the Beijing visit, although there has been no official confirmation of a summit.