Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to strengthen regional ties this week with visits to the DPRK and Vietnam—a move analysts call a 'geopolitical chess game.'
Putin's trip to the DPRK marks his first visit in 24 years, following Kim Jong Un's invitation after their 2023 summit in Russia. The Kremlin confirmed the leader will discuss 'security cooperation' and economic partnerships amid global tensions.
A Long-Awaited Return to Pyongyang 
Putin last visited Pyongyang in 2000, shortly after becoming president. Kim’s September 2023 trip—his first post-pandemic international visit—signaled revived DPRK-Russia collaboration, with both nations facing Western sanctions. Will this meeting spark new alliances? Experts are watching closely.
Vietnam: Strengthening Asian Ties 
After the DPRK, Putin heads to Vietnam for talks on trade, tech, and energy. Vietnam, a rising star in Southeast Asia’s economy, has maintained neutral diplomacy despite U.S.-China rivalries. This visit could boost Russia’s influence in ASEAN markets.
With global power dynamics shifting faster than a TikTok trend, Putin’s tour highlights Asia’s growing role on the world stage. Stay tuned for updates!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com