7 Years Later, Xi Jinping Visits Pyongyang: NYT Says Xi Needs to Woo Kim Jong-un

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit North Korea on August 8-9, marking his first trip to Pyongyang in nearly seven years. The summit aims to present a united front between the two allied nations against Western pressure. However, the visit also highlights China's desire to maintain influence over its increasingly Russia-aligned neighbor.

North Korea's economic standing has improved significantly since Xi's last visit, largely due to its burgeoning alliance with Russia. Moscow has provided Pyongyang with much-needed oil, food, and weapons technology in exchange for ammunition and troops for the war in Ukraine. This dynamic has complicated matters for China, which seeks to curb unpredictable behavior from North Korea and ensure regional stability.

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Xi Jinping is trying to show that his relationships with members of the authoritarian bloc are more cohesive than President Trump's relationships with his democratic partners.

Analysts suggest that Kim Jong Un may use his strengthened relationship with Russia to seek economic concessions from Beijing. While China remains North Korea's primary benefactor, Kim might aim to reduce his perceived dependence on Beijing. The visit could serve as an opportunity for Xi to remind Kim of China's crucial role as an aid provider and to reassert Beijing's influence.

The summit also occurs against the backdrop of potential shifts in nuclear diplomacy. Former U.S. officials have indicated that Xi might convey messages to Kim regarding potential engagement with the United States. However, North Korea has maintained a firm stance, refusing dialogue unless its nuclear program is on the table. This complicates efforts by China and Russia, who previously supported U.N. sanctions against North Korea's nuclear ambitions, but now appear to tacitly accept Pyongyang's nuclear status.

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Undoubtedly, China is concerned about North Korea's growing relationship with Russia. This visit helps to alleviate that trend to some extent and is a way for Xi to reassert influence.