Xi calls China–North Korea ties "unbreakable," but Pyongyang's Russia pivot is testing Beijing's leverage.

Lead

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for his first visit to North Korea since 2019, a trip that underscores Beijing's concern over Pyongyang's expanding ties with Russia, according to reports from Deutsche Welle (DW). The visit comes at a time when an emboldened Kim Jong Un has strengthened his regime's trade and military cooperation with Moscow, a development that analysts say has left China feeling it is losing leverage.

In a letter published in North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper ahead of his arrival, Xi wrote that '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.' The message, reported by DW, was part of a diplomatic push to reaffirm the long-standing alliance between the two countries.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from DW, a European public broadcaster, provides the main account of Xi's visit and its broader implications. The coverage emphasizes China's historical role as North Korea's primary geopolitical and financial benefactor since the Korean War, while focusing on the shifting dynamics caused by North Korea's growing relationship with Russia. The outlet frames the visit as a response to Beijing's anxiety about being left behind in Pyongyang's diplomatic calculus, reflecting a European perspective on the strategic rivalry.

The report relies heavily on analysis from Choo Jae-woo, a professor of foreign policy at South Korea's Kyung Hee University, who offers insights into the timing and motivations behind Xi's trip. While the coverage is informative, it includes language such as 'emboldened' and 'dictatorship' when describing North Korea, which carries a critical tone.

Key Claims

• Xi's visit timing: Xi arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, marking his first visit since 2019. According to DW, this comes ahead of the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-North Korea 'Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance,' which falls on July 11. Professor Choo noted that Xi's decision to visit a month early 'shows that Xi is anxious about North Korea getting too close to Russia.'

• Historical context: China has been North Korea's primary geopolitical and financial benefactor since the Korean War, as reported by DW. This long-standing relationship has been a cornerstone of Pyongyang's diplomatic and economic survival.

• Xi's letter: In his letter to Rodong Sinmun, Xi emphasized the 'unbreakable' and 'enduring' nature of China-North Korea friendship, highlighting Beijing's continued commitment to the alliance.

• North Korea's economy: DW reports that North Korea's economy has shown a 3% GDP growth in both of the last two years, a sign of relative stability. China has also permitted large-scale exports across the border in recent months, and Kim's tourist projects are attracting significant numbers of Chinese visitors, according to the report.

• Kim's diplomatic ambitions: Analysts cited by DW suggest Kim Jong Un wants North Korea to be seen as a 'normal state' and hopes to expand his diplomatic reach. This includes a desire to participate in multilateral programs founded by China and Russia, giving Pyongyang standing as a full member of international society.

Perspectives

Beijing's Perspective: China views North Korea as a crucial buffer state and a key ally. Xi's visit is intended to reinforce the alliance and remind both Pyongyang and the world of China's status as a leading global power alongside the United States, as suggested by analysts in DW's report. Beijing seeks to counter Russian influence and ensure North Korea remains within its orbit.

Pyongyang's Perspective: North Korea aims to leverage its relationships with both China and Russia to achieve greater international recognition and legitimacy. By hosting Xi, Kim hopes to demonstrate that North Korea is a country that demands attention, with China's '100% support and renewed recognition of the alliance' bolstering its standing, according to DW's analysis.

Moscow's Perspective: While not directly quoted in the report, Russia's growing partnership with North Korea, particularly in the context of military and trade cooperation, is a central concern for Beijing. DW notes that 'Russia is flailing in its attempts to seize more land in Ukraine,' which may have driven Moscow to deepen its ties with Pyongyang, creating a triangular dynamic that complicates China's position.

International Observers: The visit is seen as a signal of China's unease. As Professor Choo told DW, '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.' This perspective highlights the competitive undercurrents in the China-North Korea-Russia relationship.