Analysts suggest Chinese President Xi Jinping's call to strengthen military and diplomatic ties with North Korea, made during his meeting with Kim Jong-un, serves as a strategic message to the US and Russia. However, North Korea may limit the extent of military cooperation.

North Korea is gaining in strategic importance for China to counter the United States, but Pyongyang may refrain from intensifying military ties with Beijing, analysts say. During his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said both sides should “enhance exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement and military affairs”, according to state news agency Xinhua. Despite pledges from both sides to strengthen strategic communications, denuclearisation of the.....