China and Russia are seeking influence over North Korea as Chinese leader Xi Jinping travels to Pyongyang, according to The Economist. The reporting indicates that nuclear issues are not expected to be the focus of talks during the visit, with “nukes off the agenda” as a key theme. The coverage frames this as part of wider regional diplomacy rather than an immediate shift on North Korea’s nuclear programme.
The sources also describe China as cautious about Russian influence in North Korea, suggesting Beijing is monitoring Russia’s role and maintaining its own leverage. Against this background, the reporting links the visit to ongoing diplomatic uncertainty, including the possibility of future U.S.-North Korea engagement referenced as another Trump–Kim summit. Overall, the articles present Xi’s trip as occurring amid competing strategic interests from major powers and with nuclear negotiations not front and centre in the immediate agenda.
