Kim Jong Un makes surprise China trip after death rumours | World | News– www.express.co.uk

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has made a surprise trip to China, appearing in public after speculation about his health and whereabouts, as he moves to strengthen ties with Beijing. Mr Kim was pictured smiling and meeting Chinese officials during the visit, which saw him praise President Xi Jinping’s leadership and vow to deepen cooperation between the two communist states.

The North Korean leader travelled across a newly opened bridge linking the two countries before visiting the Chinese border city of Dandong, a vital gateway for trade with his isolated regime. His trip comes as Pyongyang seeks to expand economic ties with its biggest international backer while presenting a united front against the US.

Mr Kim arrived in Dandong on Saturday, October 24, and visited a war memorial commemorating China’s support for North Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War.

He also met senior Chinese officials, including foreign minister Wang Yi, and toured a bus factory before receiving a formal send-off at the new four-lane bridge across the Yalu River.

However, Mr Kim did not meet Mr Xi in person during the visit, although the two leaders exchanged greetings through officials.

The North Korean leader thanked the Chinese president for paying special attention to his trip, according to state media reports.

Mr Kim described the relationship between the two countries as an “invincible” friendship “forged at the cost of blood”.

He added that North Koreans would “forever remember the glorious years of fighting alongside the Chinese people” and pass down “generational gratitude” to those who had helped the country’s revolution.