Kim Jong-un visits Dandong ahead of APEC summit, first China trip in over a year

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has undertaken multiple unannounced visits to China, including trips to Dandong and Beijing, signaling a significant diplomatic reset and potential coordination on regional issues. While North Korea has confirmed some visits, the specific agendas and outcomes of meetings with Chinese leadership, including Wang Huning, remain largely undisclosed, raising uncertainty about the full implications for denuclearization talks and regional security. These visits coincide with the reopening of the Dandong border crossing and the inauguration of a new border bridge, suggesting a push to revive bilateral trade and infrastructure cooperation.