Chinese premier in North Korea for talks

BEIJING – Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived today in North Korea on a highly anticipated state visit amid signs the North may be willing to restart dialogue over its nuclear programs following months of resistance.

Wen was greeted at Pyongyang airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the official Xinhua News Agency reported, another indication that Kim remains firmly in charge despite reports of failing health.

China, the North’s most important source of economic aid and diplomatic support, is the host of currently stalled six-nation disarmament talks that also involve the U.S., Japan, South Korea and Russia.

Kim has reportedly expressed a willingness to engage in “bilateral and multilateral talks,” although it’s unclear if that indicates a willingness to rejoin the six-nation discussions.