Google’s Schmidt on a ‘private’ visit to N. Korea

Google’s chairman Eric Schmidt — the highest-profile U.S. executive to visit North Korea — wants a first-hand look at North Korea’s economy and social media during his private visit that began on Monday

His visit has drawn criticism from the U.S. State Department as it comes only weeks after a controversial North Korean rocket launch; it has also prompted speculation about what the businessman hopes to accomplish.

Mr. Schmidt arrived with former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who has travelled more than a half-dozen times to North Korea over the past 20 years.

Mr. Richardson, speaking ahead of the flight from Beijing, called the trip a private, humanitarian mission.

The trip was planned well before North Korea announced its plans to send a satellite into space, two people with knowledge of the delegation’s plans told The Associated Press.

Mr. Schmidt, a staunch proponent of Internet connectivity and openness, is expected to make a donation during the visit, while Mr. Richardson will try to discuss the detainment of a U.S. citizen jailed in Pyongyang, members of the delegation told AP.

Google now has offices in more than 40 countries, including all three of North Korea’s neighbours — Russia, South Korea and China, another country criticized for systematic Internet censorship. — AP