China Reasserts Itself, to Contain North Korea’s Tilt Toward Russia

Article excerpt

Xi Jinping made a rare visit to North Korea, seeking to reassert China's dominance in its alliance with Kim Jong-un as Pyongyang increasingly tilts toward Russia. The trip projected public unity between the two leaders while Xi worked to remind Kim who holds the senior position in their relationship. The visit underscores Beijing's concern that its influence over North Korea is slipping, particularly as Russia and North Korea deepen military and economic ties. China has long viewed North Korea as a critical buffer state and strategic asset in northeast Asia.