New Chess Game Around the Korean Peninsula

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea marks a significant strategic step, reinforcing the relationship with Pyongyang amidst global geopolitical flux. The trip, occurring shortly after high-profile receptions for the Russian and U.S. presidents, underscores China's commitment to North Korea as its most crucial partner.

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A Chinese leader does not visit North Korea just for a visit. Xi's trip will have real meaning for China-North Korea relations.

During a grand welcoming ceremony in Pyongyang's main square, attended by thousands and adorned with national flags and leader portraits, Xi emphasized the "unbreakable friendship" between the two nations. For Kim Jong Un, the presence of China's top leader offers an opportunity to bolster Pyongyang's emerging geopolitical standing. "A Chinese leader does not visit North Korea just for a visit. Xi's trip will have real meaning for China-North Korea relations," noted Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, in comments to the Associated Press.

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We must oppose hegemony, dictatorship, and all attempts and conspiracies to revive militarism that endanger regional security and stability.

In talks with Kim, Xi affirmed that the friendship would remain steadfast, with Beijing committed to protecting shared interests regardless of international changes. He also stressed China's consistent policy of developing relations with North Korea, viewing the current moment as a new historical starting point with fresh development opportunities. Xi called for opposition to hegemony and dictatorship, urging a move toward a fairer, more inclusive global economic order.

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In a time of increasing international disorder, Beijing sees stability on the Korean Peninsula as a key regional shared interest. Any major conflict or disruption there would have far-reaching consequences for Northeast Asia and beyond.

Analysts interpret Xi's visit as Beijing's bid to reassert its influence on Korean Peninsula affairs. China aims to maintain leverage over North Korea while gauging Kim Jong Un's strategic calculations. "In a time of increasing international disorder, Beijing sees stability on the Korean Peninsula as a key regional shared interest. Any major conflict or disruption there would have far-reaching consequences for Northeast Asia and beyond," commented Shen Shiwei of China Briefing. The visit also signals to South Korea, Japan, Russia, and the U.S. that North Korea remains within China's strategic orbit, even as Russia-North Korea ties deepen, according to Korean Peninsula expert Hao Nan.

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China wants to send a signal to (South Korea, Japan, Russia, and the U.S.) that North Korea remains within their strategic orbit, even as Russia-North Korea relations deepen.