Wen visit may restart nuclear weapons talks

CHINA'S premier has met with the North Korean leader at the start of a state visit, amid signs Kim Jong Il may be willing to restart talks over nuclear weapons programmes.

Kim greeted Wen Jiabao yesterday at Pyongyang's airport, a rare honour for a non-head of state and an indication that Kim remains firmly in charge despite recent reports of failing health.

Wen's three-day visit is being scrutinised for any further indication that North Korea is willing to re-engage with its negotiating partners after boycotting talks for months while threatening nuclear war and conducting nuclear and missile tests.

Kim has reportedly expressed a willingness to engage in "bilateral and multilateral talks," although it's unclear if that indicates a willingness to rejoin the stalled six-nation discussions.