North Korea: Kim Jong-un welcomes Xi Jinping
Chinese President Xi Jinping has paid a two-day visit to North Korea. No matter how the international situation develops, China will remain committed to its traditional friendship with North Korea, Xi said during a meeting with Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang. Commentators examine the complex web of ties between the two countries.
Pyongyang and Putin too close for comfort
Xi Jinping takes a dim view of the close ties between Russia and North Korea, La Repubblica explains:
“Xi had not set foot in North Korea for seven years. Now he is doing so with a very specific aim: to reaffirm China's influence over a more self-assured 'hermit kingdom' that has drastically expanded its nuclear arsenal and, in recent years, grown much closer to Moscow – too close, in the eyes of the Chinese. Xi wanted to remind Kim Jong-un and the rest of the world that Beijing remains Pyongyang's key political supporter and economic lifeline. And that China still wants to pull all the intricate strings in this part of Asia.”
Tricky mission
Jutarnji list comments:
“Kim urgently needs Chinese assistance, which will force him to accept a relaxation of his strong ties with Russia. ... One could say that Xi is attempting to impose a doctrine of limited sovereignty on Kim, to show the region and the world that he has him under control and that they need not fear his bellicose rhetoric and actions. It remains unclear to what extent he will succeed, as Kim is aware that China cannot afford the collapse of his regime because this would bring the US right up to the Chinese border.”