Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang, vows to boost strategic ties and multipolar world

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his first visit to Pyongyang in seven years, stressed the importance of enhancing strategic communication and cooperation with North Korea. In a signed article published on the front page of the Rodong Sinmun, Xi highlighted the need to strengthen strategic communication and coordination in line with the times and jointly defend the international order based on the UN and international law.

Xi repeatedly used terms like "highest-level strategic guidance," "strategic cooperation," and "strategic communication," signaling a desire to elevate the Sino-North Korean relationship beyond a mere recovery to a "strategic partnership." This move is interpreted as a response to the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, and a broader geopolitical alignment against the United States.

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We must strengthen strategic communication and coordination in line with the times, and jointly defend the international order based on the UN and international law.

The Chinese president emphasized that the Sino-North Korean relationship extends beyond the Korean Peninsula issue, framing it as part of an international order where U.S.-China competition and Sino-North Korean-Russian ties are at play. He stated, "We must oppose hegemonism and power politics, oppose the revival of militarism, and oppose all ambitions and actions that undermine regional security and stability." Xi called for the joint promotion of a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization.

Notably, Xi did not directly address inter-Korean relations or denuclearization. Instead, he stressed mutual support for each country's chosen socialist path, which is seen as tacit approval of North Korea's nuclear advancements and its "hostile two-state policy" toward South Korea. This aligns with a joint statement made with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which opposed threats to North Korea's security through diplomatic isolation, economic sanctions, or military pressure.

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We must oppose hegemonism and power politics, oppose the revival of militarism, and oppose all ambitions and actions that undermine regional security and stability.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that Xi's article omitted terms like "Korean Peninsula issue," "denuclearization," "dialogue," and "North Korea-U.S." This marks a significant shift from his 2019 visit, where he emphasized China's role as a mediator for denuclearization. The current approach positions China as a "closely aligned strategic partner for structural containment of the U.S."

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The traditional friendship between China and North Korea is always invincible, no matter how times change and the international situation changes.

Xi also expressed confidence in the enduring nature of Sino-North Korean friendship, regardless of changing times and international dynamics. He highlighted his six previous meetings with Kim Jong Un and emphasized the strategic significance of high-level cooperation. He suggested strengthening military cooperation, communication, and exchanges across various sectors and levels, particularly in light of the upcoming 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance.

Furthermore, Xi proposed combining the development strategies of China and North Korea, mobilizing cooperation potential in various fields, and sharing opportunities for mutual development. He urged the implementation of his "Four Global Initiatives", the Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. This indicates China's intention to integrate the Sino-North Korean relationship into its broader vision for a new international order.

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China's approach to North Korea has completely shifted from 'mediator for North Korea-U.S. denuclearization' to a 'closely aligned strategic partner for structural containment of the U.S.'