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North Korea revealed a new centrifuge hall for enriching weapons-grade uranium, with Kim Jong Un announcing plans to expand nuclear forces at an exponential rate. Kim claimed the country's weapons-grade nuclear materials production capacity has more than doubled in five years.
This commentary argues that China's dominant trade relationship with North Korea gives Beijing significant leverage over Pyongyang, which US President Donald Trump may be attempting to use to restart nuclear negotiations. It contends that China's role as North Korea's primary economic lifeline makes it a key mediator in the dispute.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said the two countries share a common position on all strategic issues, describing ties as reaching alliance level. A North Korean official met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu to discuss closer security and intelligence cooperation. An economic delegation also left for events in Belarus and Russia, signaling expanding ties beyond military affairs.