Xi Jinping sends message to Kim Jong Un over China’s role as key ally - DW
Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un (Photo: Getty Images)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has arrived in Pyongyang on an official visit amid expanding military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Beijing is seeking to restore its influence over the North Korean regime and limit its growing alignment with the Kremlin, according to an analysis by Deutsche Welle.
The Chinese leader is visiting North Korea for the first time since 2019. The visit comes in response to the rapid expansion of trade and military ties between Kim Jong Un and Moscow. Beijing has long been Pyongyang’s main sponsor, but the situation is now changing.
North Korea’s state newspaper Rodong Sinmun published a letter from the Chinese leader, in which the President of the PRC wrote the following:
“No matter how times change or how the international situation evolves, the traditional friendship between China and North Korea remains unbreakable, enduring, and constantly radiates vitality.”
Professor Choo Jae-woo of Kyung Hee University says Xi Jinping aims to reaffirm China’s status as North Korea’s primary partner.
“Kim has been very active in improving his relationship with Russia in the last few years and China clearly feels that it is lagging behind,” Choo Jae-woo explained.
The visit was expected to take place on July 11, marking the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries. However, Xi Jinping arrived a month earlier, and analysts believe this urgency reflects Beijing’s concern over the close alliance between Kim and Putin.
Economic leverage and Kim’s ambitions
Over the past two years, North Korea’s GDP has risen by 3%, partly due to Beijing allowing large-scale cross-border exports, according to the article. Chinese tourists have also begun visiting Kim’s resorts in large numbers, spending significant amounts of money there.
“Kim wants to piggyback on China and Russia so North Korea can become part of these multilateral programs that the two countries founded, giving him standing and a position as a full member of international society,” Professor Choo noted.
This refers to potential membership in organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.
Participation in these blocs would allow Pyongyang to break out of international isolation. China and Russia could become a gateway for Kim to the Global South.
Message to the West and a claim to hegemony
Experts believe Xi Jinping’s visit also carries a global message. Former politician Kim Sang-woo argues that China seeks to present itself as one of two global leaders, directly challenging the US.
Xi aims to demonstrate that China is the hegemon of the Indo-Pacific region, signaling that the US's reliability for its allies is declining. This message is directed at South Korea, Japan, India, and Australia.
Pyongyang also stands to benefit: Kim is showing the world that China gives him 100% support, strengthening the North Korean regime’s position. In addition, Beijing may be taking advantage of a moment when Russia is facing difficulties on the battlefield.
Kim Sang-woo added that Xi Jinping is stepping in at exactly this moment. He sees that Russia’s attempts to seize more Ukrainian territory are becoming less successful. China wants to ensure that Pyongyang remains within its sphere of influence, regardless of the outcome of the war in Europe.
What else to know about North Korea
Kim Jong Un is actively expanding and strengthening his nuclear program. North Korea has declared it will never give up its status as a nuclear state. The IAEA has also reported increased activity at North Korean nuclear facilities.
North Korea has amended its constitution to include provisions for an automatic nuclear strike in the event that the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, is killed in an attack by a foreign state.
