Was Xi’s stand on China-North Korea military ties also a message for US, Russia?

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...