Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un Hold Formal Talks in Beijing
In an epic showdown against the West, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un engaged in formal talks in Beijing, following a remarkable display of unity with Russia’s Vladimir Putin at a grand military parade.
The meeting between Xi and Kim took place at the prestigious Great Hall of the People, marking their first official sit-down in six years. Their last encounter was in Pyongyang in 2019 during Xi’s inaugural state visit to North Korea.
At China’s military parade commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II, Xi, Putin, and Kim took center stage. This unprecedented gathering of leaders showcased a united front against Western norms, signaling a shift in global power dynamics.
Among the 26 countries represented at the parade were Iran, Pakistan, and Belarus, providing Kim with a rare opportunity to stand alongside influential figures on the international stage.
The grand display of China’s military prowess concluded a series of diplomatic events orchestrated by Xi to position China as a formidable global leader amid the uncertainties caused by President Donald Trump’s disruptive policies.
Following the parade, Kim and Putin engaged in a lengthy discussion where they explored plans for long-term cooperation. Putin commended North Korean troops supporting Russia in Ukraine, extended an invitation for Kim to visit Russia, and bid him farewell with a warm embrace.
As North Korea’s primary political and economic ally, China has played a pivotal role in supporting the isolated nation, accounting for over 95% of its total trade. However, as North Korea expanded its military capabilities, some in Beijing viewed the relationship with growing skepticism.
Recent collaborations between North Korea and Russia, including a mutual defense pact, have raised concerns in Beijing about potential disruptions to regional security. Xi closely monitored the evolving alliance between Putin and Kim, wary of its implications for stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Amid fears that Russia’s military support could embolden North Korea’s aggressive stance, China has adopted a cautious stance, refraining from interfering in the burgeoning relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Edward Howell, a politics lecturer at the University of Oxford, emphasized China’s complex feelings towards the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, describing the nation’s stance as “emetic, nauseous, and uneasy.”
While China aims to preserve its influence over the Korean Peninsula, North Korea continues to leverage its relationships with both Moscow and Beijing to extract benefits, navigating the delicate balance of power in the region.
“China’s strategic approach is to maintain its position while allowing North Korea to engage with Russia, without intervening in their dynamics,” Howell explained, emphasizing China’s strategic priorities in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
