President Xi Jinping is planning a state visit to North Korea. This visit happens at a time when Pyongyang has clearly stated that it will not give up its nuclear weapons.

習近平主席計劃對北韓進行國事訪問。此次訪問正值平壤明確表示不會放棄核武器之際。

This diplomatic meeting is the first visit by President Xi in nearly seven years and takes place during a period of changing global alliances. Recently, North Korea has focused on a strong partnership with Russia, providing soldiers and weapons for the war in Ukraine in exchange for economic and technical help. However, the current move to improve relations with Beijing suggests that North Korea wants to maintain a balance between both countries. By doing this, they can reduce their international isolation and secure the financial support needed for domestic stability.

這次外交會面是習主席近七年來首次訪問，正值全球同盟關係變動之際。近期，北韓專注於與俄羅斯建立強有力的夥伴關係，為烏克蘭戰爭提供士兵與武器，以換取經濟與技術援助。然而，目前改善與北京關係的舉動表明，北韓希望在兩國之間維持平衡。透過這樣做，他們可以減少國際孤立，並獲得維持國內穩定所需的財務支持。

Before the summit, North Korea has sent clear signals about its goals. Kim Yo-jong, a senior official, rejected claims from the U.S. State Department that China and the U.S. agreed on the goal of denuclearization. She described these goals as outdated and emphasized that North Korea's status as a nuclear state is written in its constitution and cannot be changed. Furthermore, leader Kim Jong-un has increased military activity, recently visiting a uranium facility and ordering a significant increase in missile production over the next five years.

在峰會之前，北韓已就其目標發出明確信號。高級官員金與正否認了美國國務院關於中國與美國在去核化目標上達成共識的說法。她形容這些目標已經過時，並強調北韓作為核國的地位已寫入憲法，無法改變。此外，領導人金正恩增加了軍事活動，近期視察了一處鈾設施，並下令在未來五年內大幅增加飛彈生產。

From China's point of view, the visit is a way to regain influence over an ally that has become closer to Russia. Analysts suggest that Beijing is taking a practical approach, as they have stopped mentioning 'denuclearization' in recent official reports. If China accepts North Korea's nuclear status to create a buffer against U.S. interests, it may ask for something in return, such as better access to coastal waters and the Tumen River area.

從中國的角度來看，此次訪問是重新獲取對一個趨向親俄盟友影響力的方法。分析師認為北京採取了務實的做法，因為他們在近期的官方報告中已不再提及「去核化」。如果中國為了建立一個對抗美國利益的緩衝區而接受北韓的核地位，可能會要求回報，例如獲得更好的領海及圖們江地區進入權。

The upcoming summit will decide if China officially accepts North Korea's nuclear status and how the two countries will work together to oppose U.S. security plans in the region.

即將舉行的峰會將決定中國是否正式接受北韓的核地位，以及兩國將如何合作對抗美國在該地區的安全計劃。