Kim Visits China: Washington says Xi-Kim meeting a positive precursor to proposed summit

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The meeting between the two leaders marks another positive step toward dialogues on Korean Peninsula issues. Washington welcomed the meeting but said sanctions and pressures will be maintained. CGTN's Sean Callebs has more.

From Washington, D.C to the Republic of Korea. Questions abound, about what does the high-level meeting between China and the DPRK mean, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that his administration's get tough policy with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un is helping facilitate efforts to reduce tension on the Korean Peninsula.

For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility. Now there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and humanity. Look forward to our meeting!

MICHAEL KOVRIG NORTHEAST ASIA ANALYST "There's huge significance that it's hina."

But, a host of analysts say it's clear that the bond between China and the DPRK is back on track.

MICHAEL KOVRIG NORTHEAST ASIA ANALYST "I think both China signaling that it is the regional power to be reckoned with, and any kind of management, or ultimately resolution of the Korean Peninsula tensions ---has that road running through Beijing."

China has been consistent - calling for a nuclear free peninsula, --and urging the U.S. and its allies to halt military training near DPRK borders. Trump is scheduled to hold a historic meeting with the DPRK leader - and sees the Xi - Kim meeting as a positive precursor.

Received message last night from XI JINPING of China that his meeting with KIM JONG UN went very well and that KIM looks forward to his meeting with me. In the meantime, and unfortunately, maximum sanctions and pressure must be maintained at all cost.

China has supported punishing economic sanctions against the DPRK.

The UN imposed sanctions coming after a series of nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

But -as long as there is dialogue, anything is possible.

SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY "We're going to be cautiously optimistic but we feel like things are moving in the right direction."

SEAN CALLEBS WASHINGTON DC "While the Trump administration continues to drive home its get tough policy --the language coming out of Beijing was far different."

The two leaders talked about a friendship that has been nurtured over the years. With president Xi saying the bond is a strategic choice and the only right choice. Sean Callebs, CGTN, Washington.