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(LEAD) China special envoy stresses steady development of friendly ties with N.K.

All News 11:25 November 18, 2017

(ATTN: REWRITES headline; ADDS more info in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, Nov. 18 (Yonhap) -- A Chinese special envoy has stressed an important of "steadily" developing friendly ties between China and North Korea during his trip to Pyongyang, the North's state media said Saturday.

Song Tao, the special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping made the remark on Friday during his meeting with Choe Ryong-hae, a senior North Korean official, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Song arrived in Pyongyang on Friday to inform the North of the outcome of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s recent party congress, in which Xi cemented his power as he entered his second five-year term.

"He stressed the CPC's stand to steadily develop the traditional friendly relations between the two parties and countries," the KCNA said.

The report said that Song conveyed a gift for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Choe, without elaborating.

Song's trip came amid strained relations between China and North Korea over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.

Details about his itinerary have not been unveiled, but diplomatic sources said that he may make a four-day visit to the North, during which he could meet with the North's leader.

The trip came after Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a summit in Beijing last Thursday. Trump has called on China to do more to rein in the wayward regime.

Pyongyang has suspended its provocative acts for more than 60 days, raising cautious optimism about a possibility of the start of talks between the U.S. and North Korea.

Trump showed his expectation for China's sending of the envoy, tweeting that "A big move, we'll see what happens!."

China's Global Times called for caution for high anticipation, saying that whether North Korea's nuclear issue can be resolved depends on Washington and Pyongyang's political resolve.

"Song is not a magician. The key to easing the situation on the peninsula lies in the hands of Washington and Pyongyang. If both sides insist on their own logic and refuse to move in the same direction, even if Song opens a door for talks, the door could be closed anytime," the newspaper said in an editorial.

This photo, provided by The Associated Press on Nov. 17, 2017 shows Song Tao, a special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Choe Ryong-hae, a senior North Korean party official, in Pyongyang. (Yonhap)

This photo, provided by The Associated Press on Nov. 17, 2017 shows Song Tao, a special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Choe Ryong-hae, a senior North Korean party official, in Pyongyang. (Yonhap)

sooyeon@yna.co.kr
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