Looks like China beat the US to meeting Kim Jong-un in person

[FarCenter]

A North Korean train unexpectedly rolled up in Beijing, Japan’s NHK reported earlier today (Mar .26), amid curious crowds and heavy security. Now Bloomberg is confirming the rumor that among the train’s passengers was none other than Kim Jong-un, the elusive North Korean leader, marking his first trip abroad.

Kim’s visit is secretive in typical North Korean style. The trip itself was unannounced. The reason for it is unknown. Who he will meet with, what will be discussed, and whether Dennis Rodman will be there, is anybody’s guess.

Meetings between Kim dynasts and China are new for Jong-un, but not new for North Korean leadership. Both his grandfather Kim Il-sung, and father Kim Jong-il, visited several times—apparently on similar-looking trains. But the timing of this trip suggests that the motivation for Kim’s visit to Beijing is his upcoming summit with Donald Trump. That meeting is supposed to take place by May, though some in the Trump administration think it might not happen (paywall) at all.

https://qz.com/1237668/kim-jong-un-in-beijing-looks-like-china-beat-the-us-to-meeting-kim-jong-un-in-person/

[Sanity Claws]

1. Haha

I can just imagine China's leader Xi singing to Trump, Anything you can do, I can do better.

[FarCenter]

2. Maybe Kim will do a deal where China establishes air and naval bases in North Korea

and extends its nuclear umbrella over North Korea in return for denuclearization of the peninsula.

It's the only way I can imagine Kim giving up his nukes.

[Sanity Claws]

3. Yes

That would be quite the end run around the Donald. It would further strengthen China and make the US seem more irrelevant.

[FarCenter]

4. Yes, 100,000 Peoples Liberation Army troops north of the DMZ should calm the situation.

[DFW]

5. And Dennis Rodman beat the Chinese

It's not a race I'd boast of having won.