Chinese President Xi Jinping offered a lavish welcome to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during a secretive trip to Beijing.
Both China and North Korea seek to repair stressed ties ahead of the landmark summits with Seoul and Washington 
Kim and his wife were met with honor guards and a banquet hosted by Xi, on Kim’s first trip abroad since taking power, according to state media which confirmed the visit on Wednesday only after Kim had returned to North Korea
Kim pledged that he was committed to denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, while the two men held talks at imposing Great Hall of People during which they hailed their nations’ historic relations.
Political Analysts were quoted as stating that Xi likely wanted to see Kim to ensure North Korea does not cut a deal with US President Donald Trump, which could hurt the Chinese interests.
Kim’s visit puts China firmly back at the center of the diplomatic game after Beijing had appeared to be sidelined by Pyongyang’s approaches to Seoul and Washington.
An independent Chinese international relations scholar, Deng Yuwen, was quoted as saying that North Korea needed to turn to its old ally ahead of the US summit, as Kim will be skeptical that Trump will guarantee the security of his regime.
Deng said, “North Korea needs the big brother to protect it at a crucial moment,”
According to White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders, Trump received a personal note from Xi about the North Korean leaders visit on Tuesday.
She added, that the US saw this development as further evidence that their campaign of maximum pressure was creating the appropriate atmosphere for dialogue with North Korea.
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