Wang Yi Visits North Korea to Pay Respects at Fallen Chinese Army Graves; World Watches if He Will Meet Kim Jong Un

Wang Yi's last visit to North Korea was in September 2019, over six years ago. He arrived in Pyongyang on the 9th for a two-day visit and met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui on the same day, holding talks and sharing a dinner. North Korean state media, KCNA, reported today that Wang Yi and Choe Son Hui unanimously agreed during their talks on the 9th that despite global environmental turmoil, further developing relations between North Korea and China is a "steadfast stance of both governments." Chinese state media, Xinhua, reported that Wang Yi told Choe Son Hui that China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with North Korea, closely engage and cooperate, and continue to consolidate the positive development trend of bilateral relations. He also stated a desire to jointly strengthen high-level exchanges, maintain close dialogue and practical cooperation at all levels and in all fields, and deepen people-to-people exchanges. Xinhua also reported that Wang Yi visited the "Cemetery of Chinese People's Volunteer Army Martyrs" in Kangdong County, east of Pyongyang, today, where the remains of 1,383 fallen Chinese soldiers from the Korean War are buried. He also expressed gratitude for North Korea's efforts in protecting and maintaining the memorial facilities for the fallen Chinese soldiers. Some analysts believe Wang Yi's visit to North Korea this time symbolizes China's attempt to regain influence over North Korea. Moreover, China's choice to send Wang Yi to North Korea before the "Trump-Xi meeting" in May also serves the purpose of stabilizing the Pyongyang authorities.