▲ This file photo, carried by Japan's Kyodo News on Feb. 22, 2023, shows Sun Weidong, China's vice foreign minister, speaking during security talks between China and Japan in Tokyo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

N Korea-China

Chinese vice foreign minister visiting N. Korea: KCNA

SEOUL, Jan. 26 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong has arrived in North Korea, Pyongyang's state media reported Friday, as the two countries are marking the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations this year.

A delegation of Chinese diplomats, led by Sun, arrived in the North's capital Thursday via the border city of Sinuiju, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a short dispatch.

The KCNA did not give details of his itinerary, but the visit appears to be a reciprocal trip after North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho visited China in December.

Pak and Sun held high-level talks in Beijing last month to exchange views on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic ties in 2024.

During the visit to Pyongyang, Sun is expected to meet with ranking North Korean officials to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation. He could also pay a courtesy call to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

China is North Korea's key ally and economic benefactor.

The North's leader has been seeking to strengthen solidarity with China and Russia vis-a-vis the strengthening of security cooperation among South Korea, the United States and Japan.

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