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North Korea's Kim Jong-un 'seeks China talks' | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, is seeking an ice-breaking trip to key ally Beijing next month to meet China's outgoing and new leaders, according to a source with ties to both countries. | |
It would be Kim's first trip abroad since he assumed power after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, in December. It follows the recent high-profile visit to Beijing by Kim's uncle, Jang Song-thaek, who is effectively the second most powerful figure in North Korea. | |
"It will be a get-to-know-you trip," the source told Reuters. The source has correctly predicted events in the past, including the country's first nuclear test in 2006and Jang's ascension. | |
"It will be a state visit. This was one of the most important missions of Jang Song-thaek's visit," said the source, who has direct knowledge of the request. | "It will be a state visit. This was one of the most important missions of Jang Song-thaek's visit," said the source, who has direct knowledge of the request. |
The source said Pyongyang was likely to repeat its threat to carry out a third nuclear test unless Washington and Seoul agree to its longstanding demand to sign a permanent peace treaty to replace the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean war. | |
"There is no doubt North Korea has the capability [for a third nuclear test], but China is strongly opposed to it," the source said. | "There is no doubt North Korea has the capability [for a third nuclear test], but China is strongly opposed to it," the source said. |
"North Korea wants a permanent peace treaty to replace the armistice in exchange for dropping plans for a third nuclear test. It's been 60 years and it is time to [formally] end the war with a peace treaty," the source added. | "North Korea wants a permanent peace treaty to replace the armistice in exchange for dropping plans for a third nuclear test. It's been 60 years and it is time to [formally] end the war with a peace treaty," the source added. |
The Chinese foreign ministry declined to comment. |
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