- Beijing Seeks to Reaffirm Influence While Kim Pursues Economic and Political Support
SEOUL: Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have pledged to deepen cooperation and strengthen their long-standing partnership, as Xi made a rare visit to Pyongyang aimed at reaffirming Beijing’s influence over its traditional ally.
The visit, Xi’s first trip to North Korea in seven years, comes at a time when Pyongyang has expanded its ties with Russia while Beijing seeks to restore its dominant role in the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders highlighted closer strategic cooperation but avoided any public discussion of North Korea’s controversial nuclear weapons programme.
Analysts say the outcome allowed both sides to claim diplomatic success: China demonstrated its continued leverage over North Korea, while Kim secured political backing and potential economic benefits.
Lavish Welcome Ceremony for Xi in Pyongyang
Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, received a grand reception upon arrival at Pyongyang’s international airport, where Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, personally welcomed the Chinese delegation.
The Chinese leader was later honoured with an elaborate ceremony at Pyongyang’s main square, featuring a military guard of honour, thousands of spectators, children carrying balloons, and displays of Chinese and North Korean flags.
Buildings around the square were decorated with large portraits of Xi and Kim, alongside banners celebrating the “friendship and unity” between the two countries.
Later in the evening, Kim hosted a formal banquet in honour of Xi and his delegation.
Leaders Vow to Expand Strategic Cooperation
During their summit, Xi expressed China’s willingness to broaden cooperation with North Korea in areas including trade, agriculture, construction, and technology, according to Chinese state media.
Xi said both nations should enhance strategic coordination and protect their respective sovereignty and security interests.
Kim described relations with China as a “top-priority strategic task,” calling Xi the “greatest state guest” and praising his decision to visit North Korea as a significant show of support.
North Korea also reaffirmed its backing for Beijing’s “one-China principle,” referring to China’s claim over Taiwan. The two leaders discussed regional and international issues and agreed to strengthen coordination on shared interests.
China’s Influence Over Pyongyang Could Strengthen Beijing’s Position
China has historically been North Korea’s largest economic partner and key diplomatic supporter. Beijing has provided critical assistance to Pyongyang, while experts say China has often taken a cautious approach toward enforcing international sanctions.
The visit also marks 65 years since China and North Korea signed a mutual defence treaty.
However, relations have faced challenges in recent years as North Korea has increased cooperation with Russia, including alleged military support related to the conflict in Ukraine. In return, Pyongyang has reportedly received economic and military assistance from Moscow.
Experts believe that restoring closer ties with North Korea could provide Xi with additional leverage in future dealings with the United States, particularly as Washington has shown interest in restarting diplomacy with Kim Jong Un.
Nuclear Issue Remains Unmentioned During Summit
One of the most notable aspects of the meeting was the absence of any public reference to North Korea’s nuclear programme.
The omission was viewed as significant for Kim, who has sought international recognition of North Korea as a nuclear weapons state and has repeatedly rejected demands for denuclearisation.
The silence contrasted with Xi’s 2019 visit to Pyongyang, when Chinese media reported that Beijing supported efforts toward denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
Ahead of Xi’s latest visit, North Korea reaffirmed that its nuclear programme was not open to negotiation. Kim recently visited facilities involved in nuclear material production and vowed to strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities.
North Korean officials have also dismissed US calls for denuclearisation, while South Korean officials have warned that Pyongyang continues to expand its nuclear and missile capabilities.
Kim Seeks Economic Recovery and Continued Support
Analysts believe Kim needs China’s support to strengthen North Korea’s economy and maintain international backing.
While Russia has become a closer partner for Pyongyang, experts say North Korea cannot afford to distance itself from China, which remains a crucial source of trade and economic assistance.
Possible areas of cooperation include increased food and fertiliser supplies, economic assistance, and the return of Chinese tourism to North Korea.
Trade and Transport Links Begin to Recover
Economic ties between China and North Korea have continued to improve following pandemic-related disruptions.
Bilateral trade has returned to pre-pandemic levels, while direct flights and passenger train services between the two countries have resumed.
Xi said the reopening of transport links should be used to further expand exchanges between the people of both nations, signalling Beijing’s desire to deepen long-term engagement with Pyongyang.
BY: The Times Union
