China-North Korea Delegation Celebrates Founding, Strengthening Ties

A Chinese delegation led by Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong will visit North Korea to participate in celebrations for its 75th founding anniversary, according to North Korea's state media. The visit comes amid speculation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially focused on arms sales. North Korea may seek energy, food aid, and advanced weapons technologies in exchange for providing Russia with artillery shells and ammunition. Kim has been trying to strengthen partnerships with Moscow and Beijing to break out of diplomatic isolation and form a united front against the United States. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged all U.N. member states to fulfill sanctions obligations to limit North Korea's nuclear capabilities.