Xi Jinping Courts South Korea as North Korea Aligns with Russia, Stirring Unease in China

While South Korea is economically tethered to China, the relationship shows signs of strain since President Yoon took office.

China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Chairman Li Zhanshu (L) attends with South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo (R) during a joint news conference with South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on Sept.16, 2022. Kim Hong-Ji - Pool/Getty Images

In a recent turn of events, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has proposed a state visit to South Korea, signaling a new chapter in strategic relations between the two nations. This gesture is seen as part of a larger initiative to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Experts are of the view that Mr. Xi’s overture comes as a countermeasure to the burgeoning alliance between North Korea and Russia—an alliance that could disrupt China’s longstanding influence over the region.