Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation during Xi's state visit to Pyongyang, the first by a Chinese leader in 14 years. Sources confirm the two leaders exchanged warm greetings and signed a series of agreements aimed at bolstering economic and security ties. The visit underscores a deepening axis between the two isolated nations, both locked in confrontations with the United States.
Uncovered documents from the North Korean state media indicate that Xi and Kim discussed denuclearisation, but sceptics argue the talks are a tactical move to undermine Washington's leverage. The visit comes as the US pushes for tougher sanctions on Pyongyang over its nuclear programme. Analysts warn that the alliance could embolden North Korea to resist American pressure, while China gains a strategic buffer against US influence in East Asia.
The gathering of two of the world's most opaque leaders leaves many questions unanswered, but one thing is clear: the axis is tightening.
