Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un meet in North Korea, agreeing to support each other if attacked. The podcast explores the significance of their meeting, Putin's behavior towards Western countries, accusations of North Korea supplying weapons to Russia, and the concept of 'bromance' between the two leaders. It also covers Putin's upcoming visit to Vietnam for trade discussions and China's mixed feelings towards the Putin-Kim relationship.
Putin and Kim Jong Un agreed to assist each other if attacked, showing mutual support.
Putin's visit to North Korea symbolized a challenge to Western nations, while China had mixed feelings about the alliance.
Deep dives
Putin's Diplomatic Gesture to the West
During his visit to North Korea, Vladimir Putin's actions were seen as a diplomatic two fingers to Western countries like the UK and US due to strained relationships following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The term 'two fingers' symbolizes a rude and dismissive attitude, indicating Putin's lack of concern for Western opinions. This action reflects a deliberate attempt to challenge and antagonize Western nations, as described in the headline from Sky News.
China's Ambivalence Towards Putin and Kim's Relationship
China's response to the growing closeness between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un is captured in the phrase 'mixed feelings' as highlighted in Le Monde's headline. This term signifies a blend of positive and negative sentiments, showcasing uncertainty and ambivalence towards the implications of Putin's alliance with Kim. The concept of 'mixed feelings' conveys China's complex emotions regarding the potential impact of the strengthening relationship between Russia and North Korea on regional dynamics.
Vladimir Putin has met Kim Jong Un in North Korea. They have agreed to help each other if attacked.
TRANSCRIPT
Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2024/240619
FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
Visit our website
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
Follow us
✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
LIKE PODCASTS?
Try some of our other popular podcasts including:
✔️ 6 Minute English
✔️ Learning English for Work
✔️ Learning English Stories
They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode