Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea Amid Rising Tensions

Chinese leader Xi Jinping plans to visit North Korea next week, marking his first trip there in nearly seven years. The visit underscores China’s effort to maintain strong ties with its nuclear-armed neighbor. Relations between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russia have strengthened over the past few years, as North Korea provided military support to Russia.

Kim Jong Un has also worked on improving relations with China, the largest provider of trade and aid to North Korea. William Yang, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, suggests that Xi’s visit aims to reaffirm China’s influence in Pyongyang and protect China’s strategic interests in northeast Asia.

The Chinese and North Korean state media announced Xi’s state visit will occur from Monday to Tuesday. Xi last visited in June 2019. This upcoming trip follows shortly after Xi hosted U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing.

The United States remains concerned about North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. The United Nations has imposed sanctions on North Korea due to its nuclear ambitions. A day before the trip was announced, North Korea revealed a new facility believed to be a uranium enrichment plant. Kim plans to enhance the country’s nuclear forces significantly.

Experts suggest that Kim’s disclosure of the plant showcases his determination to gain international acknowledgment as a nuclear power, hoping to lift sanctions and engage in arms reduction conversations with the U.S. This approach reflects Kim’s focus on expanding his nuclear arsenal following failed diplomacy with Trump.

While Trump has expressed interest in rekindling diplomatic talks, Kim insists on the U.S. dropping its denuclearization demands before any discussions. Analysts are keen to observe whether China will address these denuclearization calls during Xi’s visit.

Last month, Xi and Kim met in Beijing at a military parade, strengthening their pledge for cooperation. Russia and China, both with U.N. Security Council veto power, have blocked U.S. efforts to increase sanctions against North Korea for its weapons tests.

Putin and Xi have previously expressed opposition to tactics such as isolation, economic sanctions, and military pressure against North Korea. This aligns with Kim’s push for a robust foreign policy and alliances with countries confronting the U.S.

Xi’s rare trip abroad follows his limited international travel post-Covid-19. His previous visit was to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he met Trump.