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Friendship or leverage: Why is Xi Jinping going to North Korea?
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Friendship or leverage: Why is Xi Jinping going to North Korea?

BBC News · Jun 7, 2026, 10:02 PM · Also reported by 4 other sources

Key takeaways

  • Laura Bicker China correspondent Getty Images Xi and Kim last met in September in Beijing at a military parade For Chinese leader Xi Jinping, North Korea is the neighbour China can neither control nor afford to lose.
  • The two sides often describe their relationship as one "forged in blood", a reference to the Korean War.
  • And now Beijing is trying to reassert sway over a strategically vital yet deeply unpredictable partner.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Laura Bicker China correspondent Getty Images Xi and Kim last met in September in Beijing at a military parade For Chinese leader Xi Jinping, North Korea is the neighbour China can neither control nor afford to lose.

The two sides often describe their relationship as one "forged in blood", a reference to the Korean War.

Yet in recent years, mistrust has strained ties. And now Beijing is trying to reassert sway over a strategically vital yet deeply unpredictable partner.

Article preview — originally published by BBC News. Full story at the source.
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