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Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to the ancient Korean city of Gyeongju on Thursday, marking his second visit since he first toured the historic city 16 years ago as vice president. Xi began his three-day visit to Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Shilla (57 B.C.-935 A.D.), which is hosting the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Xi’s visit to Gyeongju marked his first since December 2009, when he traveled to the southeastern city as China’s vice president as part of his trip to Korea. At that time, Xi made headlines as the most likely next president. During his 2009 trip, Xi toured landmark historic sites in the city amid the chilly winter weather, including the Wolseong palace site, the ancient Seokbinggo ice house and the Bulguksa Buddhist temple. At Bulguksa, Xi was received by the temple’s chief monk, walked through the premises and was given a guide to its major cultural assets. An official at the North Gyeongsang provincial government, which administers Gyeongju, said the city hopes Xi’s second trip will further cement his bond with Gyeongju. Ear