A top Chinese official, Zhao Leji, visited North Korea, marking the countries' highest-level meeting in about five years. Zhao, chairman of China's National People's Congress and a key figure in the ruling Communist Party, discussed boosting cooperation in politics, economy, and culture with his North Korean counterpart, Choe Ryong Hae. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues. This visit, the first involving a Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member since the pandemic began, indicates growing ties between the two countries.