The North Korean premier arrives in Beijing today to meet with Chinese leaders,
as the two sides commemorate 60 years of bilateral relations.
North Korean Premier Kim Yong Il arrived in
Beijing for a five-day visit to his country's biggest ally, Tuesday. Premier
Kim, who is not related to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, is making his first
visit to China since taking office in 2007.
Chinese Foreign Ministry
spokesman Qin Gang told reporters Tuesday the premier's visit will include talks
with China's President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.
Spokesman Qin
says Kim Yong-Il will also join Chinese leaders at activities commemorating the
establishment of bilateral relations, 60 years ago. The two countries are
celebrating 2009 as their "year of friendship."
This trip comes before
Pyongyang plans to launch a communications satellite, between April fourth and
eighth. Washington, Tokyo and Seoul already voiced their objections, saying the
launch is really a long-range missile test, in violation of a United Nations
resolution.
American, Japanese and South Korean officials suspect the
satellite launch vehicle might be a Taepodong-2 missile, thought to have a range
of about 6,500 kilometers. That could enable North Korea to strike Alaska or
Hawaii. A U.N. Security Council resolution bans North Korea from ballistic
activity.
So far, China has not spoken out against North Korea's launch.
Spokesman Qin says the Chinese government notes the reaction of members of the
international community and hopes all parties involved can keep in mind peace
and stability on the peninsula.
Spokesman Qin says China hopes relevant
parties will promote the resumption of the six-party talks, which aim to
dismantle Pyongyang's nuclear programs.
Beijing hosts the six-party
talks, which have been stalled because of the issue of disarmament verification.