A change of pace now. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has shown willingness to talk "candidly" with the US. South Korea's Presidential National Security Adviser Chung Eui-yong confirmed the matter following a landmark visit to Pyongyang. Chung visited the DPRK capital from Monday to Tuesday. South Korea and the DPRK have agreed to hold a third round of inter-Korean talks late next month. Meanwhile, China has weighed in on the thaw in relations.

GENG SHUANG CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON "We are happy to see the positive results achieved in the inter-Korean talks. We believe they are in line with the interests of both people and all concerned parties, and will be good for regional peace and security. We hope the two sides follow through on their consensus, and further promote reconciliation and cooperation. China is willing to continue to make its due efforts, and play its due role to this end."