Xi Jinping Expected to Visit North Korea Next Week

Regional outlets describe Xi Jinping’s expected trip as a sign of deepening cooperation between Beijing and Pyongyang at a time of friction with Washington, Seoul and Tokyo. They stress that South Korean intelligence has detected concrete preparations in North Korea, suggesting the visit is in an advanced planning stage. Commentators in the region expect the meeting to touch on North Korea’s missile tests, sanctions pressure and China’s role in easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

• •South Korean intelligence has identified logistical and security preparations in North Korea for Xi Jinping’s arrival.
• •Chinese and North Korean leaders are likely to discuss North Korea’s ongoing missile launches and nuclear program.
• •Beijing is strengthening ties with Pyongyang as US alliances with South Korea and Japan tighten.
• •Xi Jinping’s presence in Pyongyang would give Kim Jong-un added political backing against sanctions pressure.
• •Any agreements reached in Pyongyang could influence how South Korea, Japan and the United States coordinate their security planning.