DistantNews
Support us
From Xi Jinping – a clear hint to Russia
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Conflict & Security

From Xi Jinping – a clear hint to Russia

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang for his first visit to North Korea since 2019, aiming to strengthen ties.
  • The visit occurs amid North Korea's increasing military and trade relations with Russia, which China reportedly feels is falling behind in.
  • Xi's visit may signal China's desire to bolster North Korea's economy and international legitimacy, potentially as it seeks to join organizations like the SCO or BRICS.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Pyongyang for his first visit to North Korea since 2019, a trip that signals a deepening of ties between the two nations. The visit takes place as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expanded his regime's trade and military relations with Russia, a development that analysts suggest China is keen to monitor and potentially influence.

No matter how times change or the international situation develops, the traditional friendship between China and North Korea remains unbreakable, firm, and constantly radiates vitality.

— Xi JinpingXi Jinping wrote this in a letter published in the North Korean state newspaper 'Rodong Sinmun' before his visit.

In a letter published before his arrival, Xi emphasized the "unbreakable" and "vital" nature of the traditional friendship between China and North Korea, regardless of changing times or international situations. China has long been North Korea's primary geopolitical and financial supporter since the Korean War. However, with North Korea providing military support for Russia's war in Ukraine, Xi's visit is seen as an opportunity to further solidify their partnership.

Kim has been very active in trying to improve relations with Russia in recent years, and China clearly feels it is falling behind.

— Choo Jae-wooA professor at Kyung Hee University's Department of Chinese Studies, commenting on the dynamics between North Korea, China, and Russia.

Analysts note that Kim Jong Un has actively sought to improve relations with Russia in recent years, and China appears to be concerned about being left behind. Professor Choo Jae-woo of Kyung Hee University's Department of Chinese Studies suggests that Xi's visit, occurring a month before the 65th anniversary of the "Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance" between China and North Korea, indicates Beijing's unease about Pyongyang's close ties with Moscow.

Xi's visit to Pyongyang was expected during these anniversaries, but I think it is significant that he arrived a month earlier.

— Choo Jae-wooThe professor noted the timing of Xi's visit relative to the anniversary of a key treaty.

The visit also provides Kim Jong Un with a platform to enhance North Korea's legitimacy and gain international recognition. By leveraging China's economic power, Kim likely aims to strengthen his country's economy, which has seen a modest GDP increase in recent years. Furthermore, North Korea's pursuit of being viewed as a "normal state" could lead to expanded diplomatic efforts, including potential membership in organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) or BRICS.

It would have been more conventional for him to decide to arrive on the July 11 anniversary, but the decision to arrive earlier shows that Xi is concerned about North Korea's excessively close ties with Russia.

— Choo Jae-wooThe professor elaborated on the implications of Xi's early arrival.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog