Context
Chinese President Hu Jintao met with North Korean leader Kim Jong II in a summit meeting on Wednesday as Beijing advises its long-time ally to reform its ailing financial system and the North requests for food assistance. China is a key economic and diplomatic supporter of North Korea and is determined to prevent a possible collapse of the Kim regime, which has once again asked for international food aid after tough winter weather. The visit comes as an American delegation visits the North to evaluate its food requirements. Chinese foreign ministry has declined to confirm the North Korean leader’s presence in the country, though Premier Web Jiabao has claimed that Beijing invited Kim to study, and expectantly adopt, China’s market oriented reforms.
