Many observers are sceptical that North Korea would be willing to completely denuclearise, given the US’ hesitation to end sanctions.

North Korea observers believe Kim's primary goal is relief from international sanctions and doubt he will suddenly give up his nuclear arsenal.

China has improved relations with Pyongyang after Beijing backed UN sanctions against North Korea.

Kim visited Beijing by train this week for two days of talks with Xi seen as a strategy session ahead of a second summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump.

From trampling near-sacred allies like Canada to trying to make good with rival Russia and enemy North Korea, Trump's foreign policy shook up the world.

It marks the first official report of a weapons test by North Korea since it launched a delicate diplomacy with Washington over its nuclear and missile programme.

The unpredictable Trump takes the podium on Tuesday to face foes and increasingly uneasy allies at the UN General Assembly.

Kim and President Moon Jae-in signed a document to strengthen ties between the two halves of the divided peninsula.