Western media say North Korea-China summit emphasized cooperation and reaffirmed China's influence

[Financial News] Western media, including those in the United States, said the North Korea-China summit held on the 8th highlighted cooperation between the two countries against the West and reaffirmed China's influence over North Korea.
The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 8th, local time, that Xi Jinping, President of China, visited North Korea for the first time in about seven years and met with Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea. The paper said the two leaders marked their 'unbreakable bond' while presenting a united front against the Western-led international order.
The New York Times (NYT) said the same day that Xi stressed close strategic communication and stronger exchanges in all areas with Kim, interpreting the remarks as an effort to balance Russia's growing influence in North Korea. It added that Xi also subtly reminded North Korea during the visit that China is its most important benefactor, economic partner, and shield against the United States.
Cable News Network (CNN) said Xi's visit sent a clear message that, although North Korea and Russia have been deepening ties, 'China remains North Korea's most important economic lifeline and diplomatic partner.' It also analyzed that North Korea is seeking balanced diplomacy between China and Russia through Xi's visit. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said Xi is trying to reaffirm China's influence over North Korea, while Kim Jong Un is seeking to preserve the economic benefits provided by China while retaining nuclear weapons.
Western media emphasized that the two leaders did not mention North Korea's denuclearization after their meeting on the 8th. The NYT noted that past North Korea-China summit statements included language about working together to end North Korea's nuclear program, but that wording disappeared after Kim's visit to China in September last year.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) said, "For Xi Jinping, North Korea is a neighbor China cannot control, but cannot afford to lose," adding, "In recent years, distrust has strained bilateral ties, and China is now trying to rebuild its influence over a partner that is strategically important but entirely unpredictable." It also argued that "China wants stability on its border and influence over North Korea, but does not want to be drawn into a crisis triggered by North Korea's nuclear ambitions." It added that Xi's visit to North Korea was more likely about securing influence than about friendship. Financial Times (FT) also cited experts as saying that China is pressuring North Korea, which openly displays its nuclear ambitions, to engage in dialogue with neighboring countries.


pjw@fnnews.com Park Jong-won Reporter