China intensifies ties with North Korea
China is building economic, political and trade ties with North Korea after several years of cold relations, indicating Beijing's desire to restore its traditional influence on its neighbour, reports Reuters.
This is happening against the backdrop of changes in Pyongyang's geopolitical orientation, which in recent years has strengthened ties with Russia, In particular, by supplying troops and weapons in exchange for food and fuel.
How relationships are restored
After years of tension, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un came to Beijing for a military parade, where he held high-level talks.
Since then, China and North Korea:
resumed diplomatic contacts and exchange of delegations;
trade relations have intensified, with Russian data showing an increase in trade between the two countries;
are working on infrastructure projects at the border, including new roads and port facilities to speed up trade;
These steps illustrate Beijing's desire to strengthen its influence on Pyongyang in regional security and economic matters.
Strategic logic and possible consequences
According to the agency, China is seeking to regain influence in North Korea after the DPRK weakened its traditional ties with Beijing and moved closer to Moscow. New economic projects and trade ties could make Pyongyang more dependent on Beijing, This will be important in any future negotiations between the US and North Korea.
In addition, the resumption of cooperation comes amid statements about the possibility of resuming talks between the leaders of China and the United States on the DPRK - the first in several years.
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