China’s Diplomatic Disaster: Kim Jong-un Shames Li Qiang, Slaps Xi Jinping in the Face

Diplomatic Humiliation in Pyongyang

• ⚠️ Chinese Premier Li Qiang was visibly nervous and submissive during his visit to Pyongyang, appearing like a "lapdog" before Kim Jong-un.
• 📌 Kim Jong-un repeatedly humiliated Li Qiang, treating him with disdain, such as ignoring him during greetings and giving a casual farewell.
• 📸 Photos from the bilateral meeting showed Li Qiang and a dozen Chinese officials lined up like subordinates, with no Chinese flag present, contrasting sharply with Kim's relaxed posture.

Kim Jong-un's Message to Xi Jinping

• 💬 Analysts and online commentators widely interpreted Kim's disrespect towards Li Qiang as a direct "slap in the face" to Xi Jinping.
• 💡 This treatment was seen as Kim's displeasure that Xi Jinping did not personally attend the Workers' Party anniversary, despite Li Qiang being the highest-ranking Chinese official ever sent.
• 📈 The humiliation suggests a possible reflection of Xi Jinping's weakening authority within the CCP, as Kim might no longer fear offending Xi's inner circle.

Contrasting Diplomatic Styles

• 🎭 Kim Jong-un's treatment of Li Qiang starkly contrasted with his warm interactions with Vietnamese and Russian leaders, where he displayed camaraderie and respect.
• 📜 Past visits by Chinese premiers to North Korea were characterized by mutual respect and warm receptions, highlighting a significant shift in diplomatic dynamics.
• 🔑 Kim's confidence is attributed to North Korea's geopolitical position as a bargaining chip between major powers, rather than its economic strength.

Broader Chinese Diplomatic Setbacks

• 🚨 China's "wolf-warrior diplomacy" was seen to fail against another dictator, with officials cowering before Kim Jong-un.
• 📉 Li Qiang's perceived role as Xi Jinping's "obedient servant" and "second secretary" contributed to his lack of respect both domestically and abroad.
• 🌍 China's foreign policy choices, including its stance on the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, have led to isolation from the "civilized world" and diplomatic failures.