[Romans:] Russian President Vladimir Putin currently meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the first day of the eastern economic forum. The event is a key opportunity for the Russians who have turned to Asia in an attempt to strengthen ties there and expand their influence. CNN's Matthew Chance live in Moscow with the very latest Matthew.
[Matthew Chance, Cnn Senior International Correspondent:] Thanks for that meeting between Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, and Vladimir Putin, the Russia leader is one of a whole catalog of meetings the two leaders have had, it's a personal friendship, which has been part to spearheading the so-called pivot east that Russia has embarked since its relationship with the West and the United States in particular began to deteriorate back in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the sanctions that have been imposed against the country by Washington over hacking and other issued as well. As the two leaders meet at the economic forum in Vladivostok, there is something really significant is also taking place also in east of Russia. Joint military exercises between the Russians and Chinese, 300,000 personnel are involved. These are the biggest military exercises Russia has staged since the end of the Cold War, 3,200 of those troops are from China, as well as China's military vehicles, Chinese aircraft is involved as well. Just a few years ago or a decade ago or so, China was perceived by Moscow as an adversary. But the fact that it is being included in these military exercises and close bond with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin shows it is more of an ally. It's a response in many ways to the pressure that has been put on both Russia and China by the West and by the United States in particular, sanctions on Russia, the trade war against China. It is almost forced these two countries together, forging a new power, which is emerging in the east of the globe in the Asian region, changing geopolitics in the world, very significant indeed, Christine.
[Romans:] Yes, incredibly important shifts to note. Thank you so much for that, Matthew Chance in Moscow.
[Briggs:] All right. The U.S. special representative for North Korea beginning his meetings with South Korea's foreign minister. Steve Biegun says he's looking forward to discussions on how to work with South Korea to move the denuclearization process forward in North Korea. South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un asked him to act as a mediator. Moon saying he will take on the role until the U.S. and North Korea are able to conduct more active dialogue and communication. The White House reiterating President Trump is open to another meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong- un, citing a letter from Kim.
[Sanders:] The president has received the letter from Kim Jong-un. It was a very warm, very positive letter. We won't release the full letter unless the North Korean leader agrees that we should. The primary purpose of the letter was to request and look to schedule another meeting with the president which we are open to and are already in the process of coordinating that.
[Briggs:] The White House is planning to one sign it considers hopeful, that parade in North Korea this week focused more on economic growth and less on the country's nuclear arsenal. CNN's Will Ripley says that doesn't mean the country has gotten rid of any nuclear weapons. Coming up on the program, Hurricane Florence now a category four, barreling towards the East Coast and could get worse, millions in its path. We are live in the weather center with an update.