China and North Korea Move Closer as Xi Jinping Pushes Military Cooperation with Kim Jong-un

As the Biden-era global order continues to unravel and America's adversaries strengthen their alliances, Communist China and North Korea have once again demonstrated why the free world must remain vigilant.

During a rare state visit to Pyongyang this week, Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping openly encouraged North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un to expand cooperation with Beijing not only in trade and diplomacy, but also in military affairs. According to Chinese state media, Xi urged both nations to increase exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, and military cooperation while strengthening what he described as their shared strategic interests.

The visit marked Xi's first trip to North Korea in seven years and comes at a time when the communist regime in Pyongyang has been deepening military ties with Russia. North Korea has already deployed troops to support Vladimir Putin's war effort in Ukraine and signed a mutual defense treaty with Moscow in 2024. Analysts believe Pyongyang has received advanced military technology in return, including drone and missile-related capabilities.

For years, many observers believed China's influence over North Korea had weakened as Kim Jong-un increasingly looked to Moscow for support. Xi's visit appears to be an effort by Beijing to reassert control over one of the world's most dangerous rogue regimes. Reuters reported that both nations pledged deeper strategic communication and broader cooperation while carefully avoiding any discussion of North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Perhaps most concerning was Xi's public reference to military cooperation. South Korean officials reportedly noted that such language has rarely been stated so openly in modern times. Xi also brought Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun as part of his delegation, fueling speculation that military discussions were a central component of the visit.

Meanwhile, North Korea continues to expand its nuclear arsenal while refusing international calls for denuclearization. Recent statements from the regime insist that its status as a nuclear power is "irreversible," underscoring the growing threat posed by Pyongyang and its authoritarian partners.

From a conservative perspective, this development should serve as a wake-up call. The Chinese Communist Party, the Russian regime, Iran, and North Korea increasingly appear aligned in opposition to Western interests and democratic values. While Washington debates domestic political issues, America's adversaries are building strategic partnerships that could challenge stability across Asia, Europe, and beyond.

The United States must maintain a position of strength, support its allies in South Korea and Japan, and continue rebuilding military readiness. History has shown that weakness invites aggression. The emerging cooperation between Beijing and Pyongyang is yet another reminder that freedom cannot be defended through wishful thinking alone.

As Communist China seeks deeper influence over a nuclear-armed North Korea, Americans should recognize the growing danger posed by authoritarian regimes working together against the interests of the free world.