It's Official: The Great Leader Was In China

BEIJING--This week saw what appeared to be a re-injection of warmth and energy in relations between two longtime ideological allies with a shared history of fighting side by side in war.

No.  Not that “special relationship” between the U.S. and U.K.

That other one, between North Korea and China.

In the past few days, we have been treated to the pomp and circumstance of President Barack Obama’s visit to Britain—including a Guard of Honor inspection at Buckingham Palace, a state banquet hosted by the Queen, an address to both Houses of Parliament, and dissection within the British media about how their country is back in America’s good graces.

Even China’s 24-hour state-run news channel, CCTV13, devoted significant minutes to covering Obama’s trip and the bond between the two nations—now known as the “essential” relationship.

Contrast that with the coverage of Kim Jong-il’s visit to China this week, which has been virtually nonexistent.

Well, okay, it’s existed, but was essentially unconfirmed until it was over.

Early confirmation of a sort did come from a surprising corner. During a summit with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts in Japan last weekend, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao mentioned his government had invited Kim to visit “to understand the Chinese development and use it for their own development.”

However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has stuck to its usual line, refusing to comment on the visit.

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