Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly preparing to visit North Korea as early as next week, in what could become a major diplomatic move involving regional security and nuclear tensions.
According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, a senior government official said preparations for the trip were already underway, with Chinese security and protocol teams recently spotted in Pyongyang.
Another government source reportedly indicated that Xi’s visit could take place either in late May or early June.
If confirmed, the trip would mark a significant show of solidarity between China and North Korea as geopolitical tensions continue escalating across Asia and the wider global stage.
The report also claimed Xi may attempt to position himself as a mediator between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump, who recently hosted Xi during a visit to Beijing, has repeatedly stated that he remains open to meeting Kim again despite stalled nuclear negotiations.
During his first term, Trump met Kim three times in unprecedented summits aimed at persuading Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear weapons programme.
Although the talks ultimately failed to secure a long-term agreement, Trump has continued describing his relationship with Kim as positive.
China remains North Korea’s closest political and economic ally, with both nations strengthening ties again after relations cooled during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Last year, Kim travelled to Beijing and appeared alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a major military parade, signalling growing cooperation among the three countries.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has yet to officially comment on the reports surrounding Xi’s possible visit.
The development is expected to draw close attention from Washington and regional allies, especially as tensions involving North Korea’s missile and nuclear ambitions remain unresolved.
