China 'not nervous' about Kim's possible visit to Russia

China has told South Korea that it is "not nervous" about the possibility of an unprecedented visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russia in May, a South Korean diplomatic source said Monday.

   Russia has said that Kim would be among those attending the May 9th ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

   While analysts have been differing over whether Kim will eventually visit Russia, his choice of Moscow for his international debut would come at a time when political relations between Pyongyang and Beijing remain strained.

   North Korea is China's only formal treaty ally, but Beijing's leadership has appeared to become increasingly frustrated by the North's nuclear and missile ambitions.

   "The Chinese side's stance is that Kim Jong-un should visit China first before making a visit to Russia," said the source, who asked not to be identified because his discussions with Chinese officials are confidential.

   "China expressed that it is not nervous even if Kim Jong-un

visits Russia first," the source said.   

   Analysts say North Korea won't give up its nuclear weapons program because it would prolong the Kim regime and help obtain political and economic benefits from the international community.

   With China cold-shouldering the nuclear policy of North Korea, Pyongyang is seeking to deepen both diplomatic and economic ties with Russia.

   Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been under intense pressure over the conflict in Ukraine, is also eager to bolster ties with North Korea in an apparent effort against America's pivot to Asia. (Yonhap)