Xi’s S. Korea visit reflects a region in flux

SEOUL: China’s president on Friday wrapped up a state visit to South Korea that was heavier on symbolism than substance, but also exposed the slowly but steadily shifting bedrock of historical, Cold War alliances in East Asia.

Xi Jinping’s trip had been seen as a pointed snub to North Korea —his decision to visit Seoul before Pyongyang a sign of Beijing’s growing frustration with its wayward, unpredictable nuclear-armed ally.