Chinese President Xi Jinping is reaching North Korea today on a two-day visit. He last visited Pyongyang in 2019. This new visit of Xi is being seen not just as a friendship, but as a strategic step. China and North Korea have long described their relationship as a “friendship forged by blood”, dating back to the Korean War. However, the warmth that once existed between the two countries has now diminished and trust has also diminished. North Korea is an important neighbor for China; Beijing can neither maintain complete control over it nor afford to lose it.
China wants peace and stability on its border and wants North Korea to remain within its sphere of influence. But the problem lies with North Korea’s nuclear program, which has repeatedly created crises that have troubled China. As a result, Xi’s visit is being seen not just as a sign of friendship, but as an attempt to exert pressure and increase his influence. South Korea believes that China wants to play the role of mediator between the US and North Korea.
Growing distance in China-North Korea relations
According to a BBC report, China is concerned about the rapidly increasing military relations between North Korea and Russia. Following meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, China wants to ensure that North Korea does not fall completely under Russia’s influence. In the last few years, the distance in relations between China and North Korea has increased.
The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2024 was celebrated in a low-key manner with very few high-level meetings. In contrast, relations between North Korea and Russia have strengthened rapidly. Reports suggest that North Korea has provided military assistance to Russia for the Ukraine war and received oil and economic aid in return. There are also reports that approximately 2,300 North Korean soldiers have been killed during this conflict. This situation has become a matter of concern for China.
What are the disadvantages of Russia’s growing influence? There is still a formal defense agreement between China and North Korea; Therefore, Beijing does not want to lose Pyongyang completely under any circumstances. China fears that if Russia’s influence increases, its own control may weaken. For this reason, China has tried to improve relations. Last September, Xi Jinping invited Kim Jong-un to a military parade in Beijing; This was his first formal visit in six years.
China does not openly support North Korea’s nuclear program, as it could increase the military presence of the US, Japan and South Korea – which is not in China’s interest. On the other hand, North Korea does not want to rely solely on China; He wants to keep his options open by strengthening relations with Russia and other countries. Both are important to each other, yet they do not trust each other completely.