Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for a two-day visit. It's been 14 years since a Chinese head of state has visited Pyongyang. President Xi will meet and hold talks with DPRK Leader Kim Jong Un, and visit the Friendship Tower. The two leaders will review the development of bilateral ties in the past 70 years and exchange views on strengthening ties in a new era. The visit is being viewed in South Korea as an important opportunity to restart long-stalled nuclear talks. CGTN's Jack Barton has more from Seoul. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang coincides with the 70thanniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the D.P.R.K.

CHO HAN-BUM, SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW KOREA INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL UNIFICATION "The main aim is to make solidarity between the two countries."

But president Xi made it clear in a D.P.R.K. state media op-ed that he would also seek to promote a political settlement on the Korean peninsula issue.

WOO JUNG-YEOP DEPARTMENT OF SECURITY STRATEGY STUDIES, SEJONG INSTITUTE "China wanted to influence North Korea in a positive way that North Korea change its strategic decision to resume the negotiations with the United States earlier."

Denuclearization diplomacy stalled after a summit between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump ended without either willing to concede ground last February.

JACK BARTON SEOUL "President Xi's visit could mark the start of a renewed diplomatic push on the peninsula, with South Korea's leader Moon Jae-in saying he will also hold talks with Xi at the G20 summit in Osaka after which U.S. President Donald Trump will also visit South Korea."

Many South Koreans remain optimistic about the path towards denuclearization, despite the slow progress so far.

CHO HAN-BUM, SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW KOREA INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL UNIFICATION "About ten or more years will be needed, so step by step is the only real way."

The Office of South Korean president Moon Jae-in welcomed Xi's trip to Pyongyang as a potential step towards reviving discussions aimed at peace and stability on the peninsula. Jack Barton, CGTN, Seoul.