Xi's Pyongyang Visit Reasserts China's Leverage as North Korea Tilts Toward Russia

Xi Jinping's June 8 visit to North Korea—his first in seven years—signals Beijing's intent to maintain primacy over Pyongyang even as North Korea deepens ties with Russia. The summit telegraphs to Washington that any pressure on North Korea must account for Chinese political backing. For Kim Jong Un, the state visit provides domestic proof of international standing. The choreography matters: Beijing uses such summits to ensure it remains the DPRK's indispensable patron.