Why Chinese President Xi Jinping's Visit to North Korea Matters

The Significance of Xi Jinping's Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Sunday is significant for one reason: it's a rare trip abroad for Xi. The two men met in Beijing just a year ago, but Xi's travel has been limited in recent years.

China's Changing Relationship with North Korea

Traditionally, Beijing played the role of senior partner in the China-North Korea relationship, with North Korea heavily dependent on China for as much as 95 percent of its trade. However, that dynamic has been changing since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with North Korea providing Russia with critical weapons, artillery, and manpower.

The Data Behind the Relationship

• North Korea may have received between $580m and $1.5bn of the $14.4bn paid by Moscow in the form of 'goods'
• China shares a mutual defence treaty with North Korea, but is wary of North Korea acquiring new military technology

The Impact on Regional Security

Xi's visit comes amid concerns about North Korea's growing military ties with Russia and its impact on regional security. North Korea has carried out eight missile launches since the start of the year, and has unveiled a new AI-guided tactical cruise missile.

The Future of North Korea-China Relations

Xi's trip may also be aimed at smoothing over relations with South Korea, which has been critical of North Korea's military actions. The visit could play a constructive role in addressing issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including a possible meeting between Kim and Trump later in the year.