Xi Jinping Goes to Pyongyang—But This Time Kim Holds All the Cards | Digging into China

Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea highlights a major shift in the balance of power between Beijing and Pyongyang. While China once held significant leverage over North Korea through economic support and diplomatic influence, Kim Jong-un has used closer ties with Russia to reduce his dependence on Beijing. By supplying Russia with military aid during the Ukraine war, North Korea has gained access to technology, energy, and political backing, giving Kim greater strategic flexibility. The article argues that Xi arrived in Pyongyang from a position of weakness, seeking to prevent North Korea from drifting further into Russia's orbit and to preserve China's influence on the Korean Peninsula. More broadly, the visit reflects China's transition from a period of geopolitical confidence to one of strategic defense, as Beijing faces growing external pressure and mounting domestic challenges.

Help me grow the channel by donating any amount through the link below—your support makes a difference!
https://paypal.me/DonXiang

Email me: [email protected]