Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded a two-day official visit to Pyongyang, marking his first trip to North Korea since 2019, in a move seen as reinforcing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted Xi with a grand reception that included a red-carpet welcome and elaborate performances, underlining the symbolic importance of the visit.
Although no major agreements were announced, Kim said Xi’s decision to make Pyongyang his first state visit of the year reflected the “utmost importance” placed on bilateral relations.
The visit comes at a time when China is seeking to strengthen its influence over North Korea, a key strategic partner that has increasingly drawn closer to Russia amid global geopolitical tensions.
For Xi, the trip served as a signal of Beijing’s continued role as North Korea’s main ally, while Kim benefited from showcasing strong international ties despite ongoing sanctions against his country.
During a banquet, Xi described China and North Korea as “linked by mountains and rivers,” stressing their shared destiny and commitment to strengthening cooperation.
Kim, in return, reaffirmed support for China’s “One China” policy and pledged to prioritise friendship with Beijing, highlighting resilience in bilateral relations despite global uncertainty.
The two leaders also marked the 65th anniversary of their defence treaty, with Xi joined by senior Chinese officials including foreign and defence ministers during the visit.
While discussions on denuclearisation were notably absent from official statements, analysts say this reflects China’s increasingly cautious approach to the issue in recent years.
The visit ended with symbolic gestures of friendship, including a tree-planting ceremony, as both sides emphasised continued cooperation moving forward.
