China may be a “new road” for North Korea if diplomacy with the United States fails, experts say.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with a senior North Korean official Wednesday in Pyongyang during a three-day visit that began Monday, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Wang told Ri Su Yong, vice chairman of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, that China’s prosperity cannot be impeded by any country, apparently referring to the U.S., with which Beijing has been involved in an ongoing trade dispute.

Wang said Beijing and Pyongyang should bolster cooperation and protect their mutual interests as Ri expressed hope for close ties, according to the ministry.

The Chinese diplomat also met Tuesday with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, and Ri said North Korea is willing to work with China to develop relations in the “new era.”

Wang’s trip to Pyongyang is widely believed to be in part preparation for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Source : VOA