Ahead of a key inter-Korean summit, the DPRK announced it is immediately suspending all nuclear and missile tests and closing its nuclear test site. CGTN's Jack Barton has more from Seoul.

KRT NEWS READER "The DPRK will stop nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches starting April 21. To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic's northern nuclear test site will be abolished."

The surprise announcement from Pyongyang appears to signify a radical policy shifted by Kim Jung-un, who was said to now see economic development as a top priority and not the relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons. U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that it was "big progress" and that he was looking forward to his summit with Kim. The news was also welcomed in Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo though Japan's prime minister appeared to doubt the measures go far enough for a peace deal.

SHINZO ABE JAPAN'S PRIME MINISTER "What's important is that this motion leads to complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. I want to take a close look at it."

Even without a close look, Pyongyang's announcement appears to fall well short of nuclear disarmament.

JACK BARTON SEOUL "The DPRK is estimated to have ten to twenty nuclear bombs and many more missiles, and while there was a commitment not to test of proliferate weapons there was no mention of scrapping them or the facilities required to create nuclear warheads, and no commitment not to build more."

Pyongyang says the latest move is because its weapons program is complete so there is no more need for tests. Analysts say it will take much more than a test freeze to bring the U.S. to the negotiating table.

CHEONG SEONG-CHANG SENIOR RESEARCHER, SEJONG INSTITUTE "President Trump calls for complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization -- or CVID -- and North Korea cannot reject this. If North Korea rejects the CVID, it will not be able to normalize relations with America."

The latest announcement comes one day after a direct hotline was established between Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in, who are now able to speak directly ahead of the upcoming summit. Jack Barton, CGTN, Seoul.