{"id":21591,"date":"2026-06-09T15:37:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T15:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/xi-jinping-is-feted-in-pyongyang-as-kim-jong-un-swivels-to-moscow\/"},"modified":"2026-06-09T15:37:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T15:37:13","slug":"xi-jinping-is-feted-in-pyongyang-as-kim-jong-un-swivels-to-moscow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/xi-jinping-is-feted-in-pyongyang-as-kim-jong-un-swivels-to-moscow\/","title":{"rendered":"Xi Jinping is feted in Pyongyang as Kim Jong-un swivels to Moscow"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div data-testid=\"ad-sticky-container\" class=\"sc-37562b78-0 iLENDS\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 evuabm adWrapper noPrint sc-1c01c11e-0 jLbRED\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<header class=\"sc-ad76bc40-0 fNDZoQ\">\n<div class=\"sc-5cbbddda-0 hjlPcO\">\n<div data-testid=\"article-author\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-1 hPBdKJ\">\n<div>\n<p data-testid=\"article-datetime\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-5 hxoHkT\"><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\"><time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-06-09T15:29:24+10:00\">June 9, 2026<!-- --> &mdash; 3:29pm<\/time><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-0 efdRpd noPrint\" data-testid=\"article-actions\">\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-1 iddmiW\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga\" readability=\"6.3137254901961\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><svg fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 kskMyR sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\" readability=\"8.0816326530612\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your saved list to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button aria-label=\"Set font size to normal\" aria-pressed=\"true\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 yiNod\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to larger\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqtnv\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to very large\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqrHP\">A<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<aside class=\"sc-6f94ac39-6 esmrVF\"><\/aside>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"25\">\n<p><strong>Beijing:<\/strong> On a dais in Pyongyang&rsquo;s public square beneath giant posters of their airbrushed faces, Xi Jinping was feted with a colourful spectacle of Soviet-era agitprop as he met with Kim Jong-un to reaffirm their countries&rsquo; deep ties, &ldquo;forged in blood&rdquo; in the Korean War.<\/p>\n<p>The two-day summit is the Chinese leader&rsquo;s first visit to North Korea in seven years, during which time Kim has powered ahead with his nuclear weapons program and grown emboldened by shifting his country&rsquo;s centre of gravity toward Moscow.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83855c47af6ecd1018823cb99b5c6cc48b19114e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/83855c47af6ecd1018823cb99b5c6cc48b19114e 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83855c47af6ecd1018823cb99b5c6cc48b19114e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/83855c47af6ecd1018823cb99b5c6cc48b19114e 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the official welcoming ceremony in Pyongyang, in an image released by KCNA state media.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.243,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_2,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/83855c47af6ecd1018823cb99b5c6cc48b19114e\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83855c47af6ecd1018823cb99b5c6cc48b19114e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/83855c47af6ecd1018823cb99b5c6cc48b19114e 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"internal-linking-related-contents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/12-weeks-jail-for-school-it-support-technician-who-took-upskirt-videos-of-teachers\/\" class=\"template-1\"><span class=\"cta\">News :<\/span><span class=\"postTitle\">&lt;div&gt;12 weeks' jail for school IT support technician who took upskirt videos of teachers&lt;\/div&gt;<\/span><\/a><\/div><p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the official welcoming ceremony in Pyongyang, in an image released by KCNA state media.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">KCNA via KNS via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Xi&rsquo;s visit has drawn the attention of analysts because it is his first overseas trip this year and comes as he reduces his travel and increasingly delegates international summits to lower-level officials.<\/p>\n<p>His decision to make the journey east &ndash; officially to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the China-North Korea mutual defence treaty &ndash; is being widely interpreted as Beijing&rsquo;s bid to remind its neighbour and the world that it remains Pyongyang&rsquo;s biggest economic lifeline and hedge against US influence in East Asia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"21.066980023502\">\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.897%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_35%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9b944c5c71e4ed98ff3b404bb256ac7fb54a81d6, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.897%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_35%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9b944c5c71e4ed98ff3b404bb256ac7fb54a81d6 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.897%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_35%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9b944c5c71e4ed98ff3b404bb256ac7fb54a81d6, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.897%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_35%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9b944c5c71e4ed98ff3b404bb256ac7fb54a81d6 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"North Korean children present Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, with bouquets of flowers at the welcome ceremony, as Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ryu Sol-ju look on.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.897,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_35,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/9b944c5c71e4ed98ff3b404bb256ac7fb54a81d6\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.897%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_35%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9b944c5c71e4ed98ff3b404bb256ac7fb54a81d6, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.897%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_35%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9b944c5c71e4ed98ff3b404bb256ac7fb54a81d6 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>North Korean children present Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, with bouquets of flowers at the welcome ceremony, as Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ryu Sol-ju look on.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">KCNA<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Kim, meanwhile, will be looking for Beijing&rsquo;s assurance that it has accepted North Korea as a nuclear state, and will not seek denuclearisation goals in talks with other foreign powers.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5021%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_250%2C$y_68\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3346e9b03e861b164b36ddc048d3d50e803e6e97, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5021%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_250%2C$y_68\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3346e9b03e861b164b36ddc048d3d50e803e6e97 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5021%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_250%2C$y_68\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3346e9b03e861b164b36ddc048d3d50e803e6e97, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5021%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_250%2C$y_68\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3346e9b03e861b164b36ddc048d3d50e803e6e97 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kim&rsquo;s letters to Trump suggest a young, insecure man who is grateful for being taken seriously by the most powerful man in the world. \" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.5021,%24multiply_0.5127,%24ratio_1.777778,%24width_1059,%24x_250,%24y_68\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/3346e9b03e861b164b36ddc048d3d50e803e6e97\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5021%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_250%2C$y_68\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/3346e9b03e861b164b36ddc048d3d50e803e6e97, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5021%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_250%2C$y_68\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/3346e9b03e861b164b36ddc048d3d50e803e6e97 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&ldquo;Ideally, it will obtain China&rsquo;s tacit recognition of its nuclear status, which the Russians appear to have given behind closed doors,&rdquo; says Rachel Minyoung Lee, a senior fellow with the Stimson Centre&rsquo;s Korea Program, a US think tank.<\/p>\n<div class=\"internal-linking-related-contents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/migrant-acquitted-in-first-trial-over-us-border-military-zones\/\" class=\"template-1\"><span class=\"cta\">News :<\/span><span class=\"postTitle\">Migrant acquitted in first trial over US border military zones<\/span><\/a><\/div><p>&ldquo;China&rsquo;s stance on denuclearisation remains much more dubious, and the North Koreans seem set on clarifying that during Xi&rsquo;s visit.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"21\">\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.129%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/45199a8ac0eda8373ddfa0de238df6b79b64908f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.129%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/45199a8ac0eda8373ddfa0de238df6b79b64908f 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.129%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/45199a8ac0eda8373ddfa0de238df6b79b64908f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.129%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/45199a8ac0eda8373ddfa0de238df6b79b64908f 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear status is believed to be one of the main items on the agenda for Xi&rsquo;s first visit to the country in seven years. \" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.129,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/45199a8ac0eda8373ddfa0de238df6b79b64908f\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.129%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/45199a8ac0eda8373ddfa0de238df6b79b64908f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.129%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/45199a8ac0eda8373ddfa0de238df6b79b64908f 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear status is believed to be one of the main items on the agenda for Xi&rsquo;s first visit to the country in seven years. <\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">KCNA via KNS via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ahead of Xi&rsquo;s arrival, North Korean media published a statement from Kim&rsquo;s sister, Kim Yo-jong, vowing the country would never relinquish its nuclear weapons, saying in a statement that its &ldquo;status as a nuclear weapons state is the line of no retreat&rdquo;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.235%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/80fa4995f6e90a72fec562f62d1a29cd6a25342f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.235%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/80fa4995f6e90a72fec562f62d1a29cd6a25342f 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.235%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/80fa4995f6e90a72fec562f62d1a29cd6a25342f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.235%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/80fa4995f6e90a72fec562f62d1a29cd6a25342f 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Xi was welcomed to Pyongyang with a military honour guard and throngs of cheering people, in photos captured by Chinese state media outlet Xinhua. \" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.235,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/80fa4995f6e90a72fec562f62d1a29cd6a25342f\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.235%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/80fa4995f6e90a72fec562f62d1a29cd6a25342f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.235%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/80fa4995f6e90a72fec562f62d1a29cd6a25342f 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Xi was welcomed to Pyongyang with a military honour guard and throngs of cheering people, in photos captured by Chinese state media outlet Xinhua. <\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Ding Lin\/Xinhua via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Officially, Beijing remains committed to a nuclear weapons-free Korean Peninsula &ndash; a goal the Trump administration claimed the US president discussed with Xi when they met in Beijing last month. The Chinese side has never confirmed this and has dropped all references to denuclearisation from its official messaging since 2024, including in a defence white paper issued last year, breaking with past practice.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0da5805b753a9eef02628dabe040de0093a0a681, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/0da5805b753a9eef02628dabe040de0093a0a681 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0da5805b753a9eef02628dabe040de0093a0a681, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/0da5805b753a9eef02628dabe040de0093a0a681 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, attend the welcome ceremony hosted by Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.243,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_2,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/0da5805b753a9eef02628dabe040de0093a0a681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0da5805b753a9eef02628dabe040de0093a0a681, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_2%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/0da5805b753a9eef02628dabe040de0093a0a681 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, attend the welcome ceremony hosted by Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">KCNA via KNS via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"19\">\n<p>To welcome Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on Monday, Kim put on a pomp-filled show &ndash; broadcast through the sanitised lens of the world&rsquo;s two most controlled media apparatuses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.857%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_7%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2741beb892a8e57b4d7343e21f0902103641affd, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.857%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_7%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2741beb892a8e57b4d7343e21f0902103641affd 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.857%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_7%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2741beb892a8e57b4d7343e21f0902103641affd, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.857%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_7%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2741beb892a8e57b4d7343e21f0902103641affd 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The first ladies of China and North Korea exchange greetings at the welcome ceremony.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.857,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_7,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/2741beb892a8e57b4d7343e21f0902103641affd\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.857%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_7%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/2741beb892a8e57b4d7343e21f0902103641affd, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.857%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_7%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/2741beb892a8e57b4d7343e21f0902103641affd 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>The first ladies of China and North Korea exchange greetings at the welcome ceremony.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">KCNA<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Thousands of cheering masses packed into Kim Il-sung Square (named after Kim&rsquo;s grandfather, the country&rsquo;s founding dictator), waving flowers and balloons against the backdrop of buildings draped in the national flags of both countries.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_0.7025%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/19afcc53857dc86ff25958b089c93415ad1de6b2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.4051%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/19afcc53857dc86ff25958b089c93415ad1de6b2 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_0.7252%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/19afcc53857dc86ff25958b089c93415ad1de6b2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.4504%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/19afcc53857dc86ff25958b089c93415ad1de6b2 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A large crowd of official well-wishers and dignitaries gathered in Pyongyang to welcome Xi, in a heavily choreographed ceremony.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.243,%24multiply_0.5515,%24ratio_1.777778,%24width_1059,%24x_0,%24y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/19afcc53857dc86ff25958b089c93415ad1de6b2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_0.5515%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/19afcc53857dc86ff25958b089c93415ad1de6b2, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.243%2C$multiply_1.1029%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/19afcc53857dc86ff25958b089c93415ad1de6b2 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>A large crowd of official well-wishers and dignitaries gathered in Pyongyang to welcome Xi, in a heavily choreographed ceremony.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">KCNA via KNS via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>North Korean soldiers goosestepped in perfect unison in the shadow of the massive hammer and sickle emblem of the Workers&rsquo; Party of Korea &ndash; the political authority of the Kim regime&rsquo;s one-party state &ndash; as members of the honour guard shouted: &ldquo;We wish Comrade Xi Jinping good health.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"19.649193548387\">\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.123%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_115%2C$y_111\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9c5d1a6e21ee45ebe92ff4dac8b06e464ba62de1, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.123%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_115%2C$y_111\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9c5d1a6e21ee45ebe92ff4dac8b06e464ba62de1 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.123%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_115%2C$y_111\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9c5d1a6e21ee45ebe92ff4dac8b06e464ba62de1, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.123%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_115%2C$y_111\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9c5d1a6e21ee45ebe92ff4dac8b06e464ba62de1 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A phalanx of motorcycle outriders accompanied Xi&rsquo;s motorcade as he made his way into the North Korean capital.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.123,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_115,%24y_111\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/9c5d1a6e21ee45ebe92ff4dac8b06e464ba62de1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.123%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_115%2C$y_111\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/9c5d1a6e21ee45ebe92ff4dac8b06e464ba62de1, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.123%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_115%2C$y_111\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/9c5d1a6e21ee45ebe92ff4dac8b06e464ba62de1 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>A phalanx of motorcycle outriders accompanied Xi&rsquo;s motorcade as he made his way into the North Korean capital.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">KCNA via KNS via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It was followed by talks between the two leaders and later a banquet, with Xi declaring China&rsquo;s &ldquo;unwavering support for the socialist cause of the DPRK&rdquo;, using North Korea&rsquo;s official name. Kim hailed the relationship with Beijing as his nation&rsquo;s &ldquo;most important and primary strategic undertaking&rdquo;, according to a readout by Chinese state media Xinhua.<\/p>\n<p>More talks were expected on Tuesday, but so far, there has been no mention of North Korea&rsquo;s weapons program and denuclearisation in any of the official statements.<\/p>\n<p>Despite all the exhortations of solidarity, there is no papering over Kim&rsquo;s newly forged alliance with Vladimir Putin since the Russian leader&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_1%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_79%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/618373da2cf75cace5963cd448957bc62f40163d, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_1%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_79%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/618373da2cf75cace5963cd448957bc62f40163d 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_1%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_79%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/618373da2cf75cace5963cd448957bc62f40163d, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_1%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_79%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/618373da2cf75cace5963cd448957bc62f40163d 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"   \" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_1,%24multiply_0.5127,%24ratio_1.777778,%24width_1059,%24x_79,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/618373da2cf75cace5963cd448957bc62f40163d\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_1%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_79%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/618373da2cf75cace5963cd448957bc62f40163d, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_1%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_79%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/618373da2cf75cace5963cd448957bc62f40163d 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"37\">\n<p>Kim has netted as much as $US10 billion in selling munitions and weapons to Moscow, according to a think tank aligned with South Korea&rsquo;s National Intelligence Service. After signing a mutual defence treaty with Putin in 2024, Kim dispatched at least 12,000 troops to join Russian soldiers on the frontline, condemning many to become cannon fodder in a foreign land they knew nothing about.<\/p>\n<p>In return, Russia has shifted to implicitly backing North Korea as a nuclear-weapons state, the one thing Kim prizes above all else, while vetoing the UN body charged with monitoring sanctions against Pyongyang, effectively dismantling it.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;North Korea has more to gain from Russia at present,&rdquo; says Lee, but &ldquo;it also understands that Russia cannot fulfil all of its needs&rdquo;. Putin&rsquo;s war-ravaged economy, for one, means Pyongyang is still reliant on Beijing for its survival, including for about 90 per cent of its trade.<\/p>\n<p>Chung Min Lee, a former South Korean diplomat and expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, says this poses a quandary for Seoul and Tokyo in the age of Trump&rsquo;s America First agenda.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1f96ad29d7132c578295bd1340a6c3e7d2aac31a, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1f96ad29d7132c578295bd1340a6c3e7d2aac31a 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1f96ad29d7132c578295bd1340a6c3e7d2aac31a, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1f96ad29d7132c578295bd1340a6c3e7d2aac31a 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russian President Vladimir Putin joined Xi and Kim at a parade in Beijing last September marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II..\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.151,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/1f96ad29d7132c578295bd1340a6c3e7d2aac31a\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/1f96ad29d7132c578295bd1340a6c3e7d2aac31a, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.151%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/1f96ad29d7132c578295bd1340a6c3e7d2aac31a 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Russian President Vladimir Putin joined Xi and Kim at a parade in Beijing last September marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II..<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">KCNA via KNS via AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"22.596330275229\">\n<p>&ldquo;They continue to rely on America&rsquo;s extended deterrence when it is becoming weaker and less dependable just as North Korea&rsquo;s alliance with Russia deepens,&rdquo; he says.<\/p>\n<p>As for Donald Trump, he has occasionally mused about reviving the summit talks with Kim that captivated the world during his first term and made him the first US president to cross the Demilitarised Zone into North Korea, albeit with no concrete outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>But with the war in Iran sucking up US attention and resources, this idea has faded into the distance. Ironically, Kim now points to Iran and its failure to secure a nuclear shield as the ultimate validation for his decision to reject US &ldquo;sweet talk&rdquo; and charge ahead with securing its own.<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what&rsquo;s making headlines around the world. <b>Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter<\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"article-footer\" class=\"sc-780f6c39-0 fWnQtB\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-1 bhFzjY noPrint\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-2 ksUUFP\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga sc-780f6c39-3 fMMhlQ\" readability=\"6.3137254901961\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><svg fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 yEdFV sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\" readability=\"8.0816326530612\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your saved list to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-0 ksyHqK\">\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-1 LVIFj\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Lisa Visentin\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40,h_40,c_fill,g_auto:faces\/q_86,f_auto\/e3b83e0cc0bded1ebecd9a7d4ebf56f2e94e07b8\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40,h_40,c_fill,g_auto:faces\/q_86,f_auto\/e3b83e0cc0bded1ebecd9a7d4ebf56f2e94e07b8, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_80%2Ch_80%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/e3b83e0cc0bded1ebecd9a7d4ebf56f2e94e07b8 2x\" width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"><span data-testid=\"author-bio\" class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-3 cVMGnz\"><span>Lisa Visentin is the North Asia correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age based in Beijing. She was previously a federal political correspondent based in Canberra.<\/span><span class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-4 gMBkSk\">Connect via X<span> or <\/span>email.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"sc-3dbe4134-0 iIZygf sc-df8e6ee0-0 noPrint noPrint\" data-an-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-group=\"everything\" data-an-cu-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-position=\"4\" data-testid=\"from-our-partners-strap\">\n<header class=\"sc-84567ec1-0 hpMljf\">\n<h2 data-pb-type=\"hi\" class=\"sc-84567ec1-1 weWOF\"><span>From our partners<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sc-df8e6ee0-1 iJvgCK\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 blRVQF adWrapper noPrint sc-df8e6ee0-2 gcpFZE\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 blRVQF adWrapper noPrint sc-df8e6ee0-3 fIPZKC\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><sub>Xi Jinping is feted in Pyongyang as Kim Jong-un swivels to Moscow<\/sub><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Advertisement June 9, 2026 &mdash; 3:29pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Beijing: On a dais in Pyongyang&rsquo;s public square beneath giant posters of their airbrushed faces, Xi Jinping was feted with a colourful spectacle of Soviet-era agitprop as he met&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/xi-jinping-is-feted-in-pyongyang-as-kim-jong-un-swivels-to-moscow\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;Xi Jinping is feted in Pyongyang as Kim Jong-un swivels to Moscow&rdquo;<\/span> &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21592,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21591"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21591\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21592"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}