Kim 's trip has been shrouded in secrecy for more than a week. Finally on Wednesday, only after the reclusive leader arrived back home in North Korea, Pyongyang confirmed that he had visited China, the country's main ally. Chinese television also released pictures of Kim meeting officials and touring a dam and port in Hubei Province. Kim also visited the Chinese cities of Guangzhou and Shenzen, which are showcases of economic reforms. Kim reportedly praised Beijing's success, prompting analysts to speculate he could undertake similar policies to prop up North Korea's stagnant economy.

In his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Kim was quoted as saying that North Korea remains committed to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and pursuing a peaceful settlement through the six-party talks. But he noted “difficulties” facing the talks, whose members comprise the U.S., China, Japan, Russia and the two Koreas. That is seen as a reference to the financial sanctions imposed by the U.S., which accuses North Korea of money laundering and counterfeiting among other illegal activities.

Kim called for joint efforts with China to overcome the difficulties and to find a way to move forward. President Hu reaffirmed that the nuclear issue should be resolved at the six-party talks.

Arirang News