Mattis in China, N Korea to be key topic of meetings

BEIJING: US defence secretary Jim Mattis arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for meetings with senior Chinese leaders, as the world waits for indications that North Korea is taking steps to dismantle its nuclear programme following the summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.

The North Korean negotiations are expected to be a primary discussion during Mattis’ meetings in China. Beijing is considered a key influencer on Pyongyang and Chinese President Xi Jinping said last week that China would “as always play a constructive role” in the process.

Kim was in Beijing for a twoday visit last week and met with Xi. The Chinese president said at the time that he hoped that Pyongyang and Washington could fully implement the outcome of the summit earlier this month between Trump and Kim.

US defence officials believe China can exert crucial sway on North Korea, moving negotiations forward because Beijing also wants a denuclearised Korean Peninsula.

Mattis is expected to meet with a range of officials during his visit here, including US diplomats and senior Chinese military leaders.

It’s unclear, however, how much Mattis’ progress with the Chinese leaders will be affected by the roiling trade war between the US and China.

Trump has already imposed