The New Yorker: Why Kim Went to China

Under the helm of Kim Jong Un, who took control of the country in 2012, North Korea has spent years testing and pushing the boundaries of international diplomacy while expanding nuclear production and scheduling nuclear testing. US President Donald Trump heightened tension when he promised to respond to any aggression with “fire and fury.” Yet, at the turn of the new year, both leaders turned the narrative around by agreeing to meet in person to discuss nuclear de-escalation. Perhaps feeling left out in the upcoming round of diplomatic talks, President Xi Jinping invited Kim to Beijing for an unofficial visit, claiming that China is ready to renew its alliance with Kim as North Korea “ushered in a new historical period.” Kim’s record of unpredictability has led to two readings of the same events. Regardless, Xi secured a spot for China in future multilateral talks in one fell swoop. – YaleGlobal