Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to visit North Korea next week, marking his first journey there in almost seven years. This announcement highlights China’s effort to strengthen its relationship with its nuclear-armed neighbor.
In recent years, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has fostered ties with Russia, notably by providing troops and conventional weapons to support Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. However, within the past year, Kim has also aimed to fortify relations with China, North Korea’s primary trade partner and aid provider.
Analyst Insights
William Yang from the International Crisis Group noted, “As North Korea aligns more closely with Russia, China wants Xi’s visit to reaffirm its influence over Pyongyang and protect its strategic interests in northeast Asia.” Xi’s upcoming state visit has been scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, according to Chinese and North Korean state media. His previous visit occurred in June 2019.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the visit aims to enhance ties and regional peace. Spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted, “The traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK have continued to develop soundly, offering real benefits to both nations and their people.” The statement follows Xi’s recent meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.
North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions
The United States has long opposed North Korea’s nuclear program. In response to its nuclear and missile developments, the U.N. imposed economic sanctions on North Korea. The trip announcement came shortly after North Korea revealed a new facility, believed to be a uranium enrichment plant, designed for nuclear bomb material production.
During his visit to the plant, Kim unveiled plans to boost North Korea’s nuclear forces significantly. Experts suggest that Kim revealed this plant to solidify its status as a nuclear state prior to Xi’s visit. Analysts believe Kim aims for international nuclear recognition to advocate for sanction relief and initiate arms reduction talks with the U.S.
Kim’s focus has been on increasing the nuclear arsenal since his negotiations with Trump fell apart in 2019. Despite Trump’s interest in re-engaging diplomatically, Kim insists the U.S. must drop its denuclearization demand before any discussions.
China’s Role and International Relations
Analysts will keenly observe China’s stance on calls for North Korea’s denuclearization during Xi’s visit. Xi and Kim previously met in Beijing, promising mutual support and better cooperation. Kim attended a Chinese military parade in Beijing alongside Putin and other foreign leaders.
China and Russia, holding veto power at the U.N. Security Council, have hindered efforts to tighten international sanctions against North Korea, despite its illegal weapon tests. During their recent meeting in Beijing, Putin and Xi jointly opposed “foreign policy isolation, economic sanctions, military pressure, and other security threats” directed toward North Korea, as per a Kremlin statement.
Adopting a “new Cold War” strategy and fostering a multipolar world perspective, Kim seeks a more assertive foreign policy by aligning with nations opposing the United States. Xi’s visit is notable, as he has limited his international travel since the COVID-19 pandemic; his last international appearance was at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.
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