(URGENT) Xi departs for N. Korea for state visit: Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping has begun a state visit to North Korea, marking the first time a Chinese leader has visited the isolated nation in 14 years. The visit, reported by Xinhua, is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries. Discussions are likely to cover regional security and economic cooperation.

This high-level engagement signals a significant diplomatic moment for both nations, underscoring their long-standing relationship amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics in Northeast Asia.

The visit is significant as it represents a rare high-level diplomatic engagement between China and North Korea, potentially impacting regional stability and international relations.