Xi’s 2026 Pyongyang Summit: Influence Management Amid DPRK-Russia Defense Momentum
Xi Jinping’s June 2026 visit to Pyongyang underscored Beijing’s intent to reassert strategic relevance with North Korea while avoiding public commitments on denuclearization. Regional reactions suggest Pyongyang maintained its nuclear red line and leveraged competing partnerships, leaving the largest uncertainty around potential China-DPRK military exchanges.