On September 27, a special visitor arrived at the Beijing capital airport, and North Korea's Foreign Minister, Tri Daiichi, arrived in Beijing.
The whole process was extremely low-volume, and it was her second visit to China in less than a month.The last time she accompanied Kim Jong Un to visit Russia just returned, and this time to Beijing alone, it was obviously not an ordinary diplomatic ceremony.
In addition to sending a parade invitation letter, she is more like coming with a mission to listen to China's views on some key issues.
In the context of the near APEC meeting and the frequent interaction between the United States and North Korea, the visit to China is not just as simple as sending petitions.
Frequent visits to China are not a coincidence, North Korea wants to get China to "shake hands"
Mr. Trudeau's single visit to China broke North Korea's consistent low-frequency diplomatic practice. North Korean foreign ministers rarely visited the same country twice in a month, let alone twice.
Unlike her previous visit to Russia with Kim Jong Un, this time she came to China alone, and her identity turned from "accompanying" to "speaker".
This is uncommon in North Korea’s diplomatic system, indicating that her trip has a clear political mission.
North Korea is about to hold a military parade. The invitation to the military parade is important, but the real point is to take this opportunity to "match a pair of watches" with China, find out Beijing's attitude towards the situation on the peninsula, and even listen to China's judgment on the future situation.
North Korea's current diplomatic logic is also changing, in the past few years, it has mainly relied on direct talks with the United States, but after experiencing several clashes with the wall, Pyongyang has begun to adjust the direction, no longer solely on the "single line breakthrough", but wants to pull on China and Russia, to make a "multilateral support".
Trudeau's frequent visits are the reflection of this strategy adjustment. she not only wants to communicate with traditional allies, but also to stabilize at key nodes, not to let North Korea "down" in the international game.
North Korea's diplomatic style has always been cautious, it will not easily disclose its intentions, but this time, coupled with two visits to China and Russia, plus a special moment before the parade, has revealed a signal that Pyongyang doesn't want to go to the "field of battle" alone.
The situation before APEC has changed, Pyongyang does not want to be left on the side anymore
At present, the time is also very delicate. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting is about to open, and all parties are preparing for the possible meeting.
This meeting is not only an economic platform, but is often used as a political mattress. Some speculate that there may be contact between the US and the DPR during this period, even if it is just a greeting, a message, it is enough to attract attention.
Several recent North Korean moves appear to be aligned with this pace.
This shows that Pyongyang does not exclude dialogue and is even paving the way for possible negotiations. But North Korea also knows very well that it has suffered a loss once and will not act rashly again. This time, it wants to find out the situation first, especially to determine China's attitude.
Past experience tells North Korea that it is easy to lose control by talking to the United States alone.
Pyongyang knows that it can't take this risk again, so it came to Beijing this time to let China "stand on a platform" at a critical moment. China has the right to speak and influence. More importantly, China has always advocated dialogue to solve problems, which makes North Korea feel safe.
China's attitude is the "reassurance" in North Korea's heart.
This time, in addition to sending the invitation letter, it is more important to listen to what the Chinese side says because in the current context, North Korea is very clear that the Chinese side's views can influence many nodes.
Whether it’s the U.S. contact or regional security arrangements, China’s position is crucial.North Korea both wants to fight for China’s support, but also wants to predict China’s bottom line.
China has always stressed that it is necessary to peace and stability on the peninsula, and neither wants to see armed conflict nor wants to escalate the situation again and again.
For North Korea, China's statements are a wind target.If China wants, then North Korea's actions can be reassured a bit, but if China's attitude is conservative, Pyongyang will have to re-evaluate its strategy.
From the perspective of long-term exchanges between the two sides, North Korea’s views on China are valuable.In the past few key points, North Korean leaders will communicate in advance, such as before meeting with South Korea or the United States, they will first come to Beijing to “hello.”
This has become a practice, and it also shows that China is not a “outsider” in the Korean Peninsula affairs, but a genuine participant.
North Korea is also aware that any foreign negotiations can not be solely based on "hard touch". it needs someone to help communicate, buffer, and coordinate.
In these roles, China is the most suitable, regardless of geography, history, or real economic context, China is Pyongyang’s most trusted partner.
The “New Beginning” of the Game?
This visit has both symbolic significance and realistic consideration.The invitation to the parade is a political ceremony, but deeper, it is North Korea that wants to know: if the US really reopened the dialogue, the Chinese side is not willing to "participate".
For China, such a role is not unfamiliar.In recent years, China has played an intermediary role in the peninsula crisis several times.
This time, it may be time to play the role of "coordinator".Al the current situation is complex and the contradiction between the US and the DPR is still sharp, there is hope as long as all parties are willing to sit down and talk.
Of course, such a dialogue could not take place at once.Tryan, who visited China this time, was preparing for this possibility in advance.She wanted to confirm China's attitude and also hoped that China would provide some strategic support to North Korea.
Whether it is economic cooperation or political coordination, this is very important for North Korea.
As far as China is concerned, maintaining the stability of the peninsula and avoiding sudden conflicts are also important components of its own interests. As long as the situation does not get out of control, China will have room for manoeuvre and continue to play a leading role in regional affairs.
One visit, two levels.
Cui Shanji's visit to Beijing this time is ostensibly to send invitations, but in fact it is a strategic communication.
She represents a North Korea that seeks balance on the international stage and does not want to rely entirely on one side or be marginalized.
In a situation of uncertainty, North Korea hopes that China will become its staff.
The peninsula problem cannot be solved overnight, but every key contact is a new starting point.
The reference information:
North Korea's foreign minister will visit China again this week and will meet with Wang Yi for the first time alone? — upcoming news 2025-09-26 07:32
North Korea's Foreign Minister, Trai Goodgi, arrives in Beijing, "for the first time alone visiting China"! — Direct News 2025-09-28 14:31