By reintroducing China, which is the North’s only major ally, as a major player, North Korea also gains leverage against South Korea and the United States, analysts say. North Korea also wants Beijing to resist tougher sanctions if the talks with Washington and Seoul fall apart and the North starts testing missiles again. Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi arrived in Seoul on Thursday for a two-day trip to brief South Korean officials on the results of the talks between Kim and Xi. North Korea has yet to officially confirm its interest in a summit between Kim and Trump. About 70 South Korean officials and technicians flew to Pyongyang on Thursday to set up the performance equipment.

Source: National Post March 29, 2018 01:51 UTC