China reasserts itself to contain North Korea’s tilt towards Russia
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments
Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watching a performance at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on June 8.
PHOTO: REUTERS
David Pierson and Choe Sang-hun
HONG KONG/SEOUL – China’s top leader Xi Jinping arrived in North Korea on June 8 and delivered what analysts said was a subtle reminder to the country’s newly emboldened dictator, Kim Jong Un, that China is his most important benefactor, economic partner and bulwark against the United States.
According to an official summary of the leaders’ talks released by Chinese state media, Xi called for “close strategic communication” with Kim and for strengthening exchanges “at all levels and in all fields”. He said he was willing to deepen relations with Kim in “the new era”, a phrase Xi has used to project China’s growing strength on the world stage.