If Xi Jinping indeed arrives in Pyongyang next month for his long-awaited first state visit to the DPRK, readers are likely to see torrents of speculation about Xi’s personal relationship with Kim Jong Un. Does the Chinese leader see Kim as a true comrade, an equal of sorts in the arena of Party-Party relations, or as a wayward tutee who needs to be lectured?
A biographically-oriented approach might suggest that Xi looks down on Kim Jong Un for Kim’s having been granted supreme leadership in North Korea without having to struggle with rural poverty and county-level administration, or work his way up the Party ladder in the way that Xi did.
If Xi Jinping indeed arrives in Pyongyang next month for his long-awaited first state visit to the DPRK, readers are likely to see torrents of speculation about Xi’s personal relationship with Kim Jong Un. Does the Chinese leader see Kim as a true comrade, an equal of sorts in the arena of Party-Party relations, or as a wayward tutee who needs to be lectured?
A biographically-oriented approach might suggest that Xi looks down on Kim Jong Un for Kim’s having been granted supreme leadership in North Korea without having to struggle with rural poverty and county-level administration, or work his way up the Party ladder in the way that Xi did.
Become a member for less than $4 per week.
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now
All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
