China says Kim Jong Un pledged to denuclearize North Korea in Xi meeting

China said Wednesday that it won a pledge from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to denuclearize during his surprise "unofficial" visit to China this week that included a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In exchange, China promised to uphold its friendship with Pyongyang.

The voyage was the first known trip abroad for Kim since he became leader of North Korea in 2011. Xi reportedly invited Kim to make the visit, which began March 25 and wrapped up Wednesday. Kim traveled with his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and his top aides, including Choe Ryong Hae, who is considered the country's No. 2 leader.

Kim and Xi held "successful talks," China's Xinhua news agency reported, in what was seen as a run-up to North Korea's planned talks with South Korea and the U.S. Read more about the visit at The Washington Post.

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