Kim Jong Un Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing, Sparking Alliance Speculation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has concluded a rare and high-profile visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The meeting, reported by state media Thursday, follows Kim’s attendance at a Chinese military parade a day earlier, which also saw the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kim’s trip, his first to China in six years, is being closely watched by international observers. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the ‘great significance’ of the talks, where both leaders reportedly conducted in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern. Notably, Kim was accompanied by his young daughter, fueling speculation about her potential role as a successor.

Experts suggest that Kim’s visit aims to restore and strengthen ties with China, North Korea’s largest trading partner and aid provider, especially as questions have arisen regarding the bilateral relationship amidst Pyongyang’s deepening focus on Moscow. While North Korea has recently bolstered its alliance with Russia, providing military support in exchange for assistance, analysts believe Kim is preparing for potential shifts in the global landscape, particularly concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The joint appearance of Kim, Xi, and Putin at the parade has intensified speculation about a potential trilateral alignment aimed at countering U.S. pressure. However, Putin dismissed such notions, and Professor Zhu Feng of Nanjing University cautioned against overinterpreting a formal three-way alliance, noting that close ties with North Korea could complicate China’s international image.

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