Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un hold talks in Beijing

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un paid a visit to Beijing, where the two leaders held "successful talks" at the Great Hall of the People, Chinese state media reported Tuesday.

It was Kim's first foreign trip since becoming the leader of North Korea in 2011, and he was accompanied by his wife. The leaders discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula and peace talks, Xinhua reports, and Xi said they agreed that China and North Korea should "deepen our strategic communication, expand our exchanges and cooperation, and benefit the people of both countries and the people of all countries."

China is North Korea's main economic ally, and the trip is considered a major step in preparing for talks between North Korea, South Korea, and the U.S., with North Korea's KCNA news agency calling it a "milestone." Rumors had swirled that Kim was in China when a special high-security train arrived in Beijing over the weekend.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up