After Trump and Putin, Xi turns to North Korea
.jpg)
After Trump and Putin, Xi turns to North Korea Amid rumours of Xi Jinping visiting North Korea, analysts believe this is a calculated move by China to hold the strategic initiative and balance ties among the US, Russia and North Korea. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei finds out more. 22 May 2026 Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly considering a visit to North Korea as early as next week, and may act as a mediator between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. On 20 May, Yonhap News Agency cited South Korean government officials to report that a Chinese delegation comprising security guards and ceremonial staff had recently arrived in Pyongyang, a move widely interpreted as a sign that Xi may visit North Korea in late May or early June. This could mark Xi’s first overseas visit of the year. China’s broader geopolitical play Interviewed academics analysed that, given the strong diplomatic significance attached to a leader’s first overse...