Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping Tighten Ties in Beijing
On June 21, 2018, the North Korean chief Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping had yet another sit‑down in the capital, this time focusing on how the two nations can team up for both “strategic and tactical” reasons. It was the second and final day of Kim’s trip to Beijing—a trip that already let him brag about his recent summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Two Talks, One Goal
First off, both leaders were said to have exchanged “serious views” about the current climate and the “new” direction of their relationship, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The meeting promised to keep the conversation moving toward even tighter cooperation, especially after Kim highlighted what US‑North Korea talks have meant for the future of denuclearization.
From Agriculture to Traffic Control
- Before the big audience with President Xi, Kim popped over to an agricultural institute run by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He got a firsthand look at veggies growing in a Chinese greenhouse.
- Later, he hopped over to a traffic‑control centre in Beijing—a place that’s probably more interesting than the usual hard‑talk de‑briefings.
Promises and Promises
Kim has promised that the North Korean economy will become a top priority, especially after securing a coveted nuclear achievement. Recent media from the North lists agricultural and industrial progress—so it’s not all doom and gloom.
Singapore Spotlight
In a forum in Singapore, Kim showered praise on the country’s “clean, beautiful and advanced” nation, admitting that he’d learned a lot from its prosperity.
So hey, if you thought these leaders only touch on geopolitical heavyweights, think again—there’s a side of them that cares about veggies, traffic flow, and a pinch of Singaporean flair. Beijing’s these days looking more like a hub of friendly collaboration.
