Kim's China visit confirmed, Kim sees nuke talk 'difficulties'
January 18, 2006North Korean and Chinese official media reported Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il had paid an ''unofficial visit'' to China, confirming the secretive leader's trip for the first time after a week of speculation about his whereabouts. The North's Korean Central News Agency and China's Xinhua News Agency reported that Kim met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing, and spoke of ''difficulties'' over the six-party talks on its nuclear programs.
Gov't says Tokyo stock plunge 'rapid,' economy remains sound
January 18, 2006Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Wednesday the sharp drop of stock prices in Japan triggered by investigations into securities fraud at Livedoor Co. was a temporary affair, insisting that the nation's economic conditions are steady. ''I think it's of a temporary nature as economic conditions are solid overall,'' Koizumi told reporters at his official residence after receiving a report from Financial Services Minister Kaoru Yosano.