China and North Korea deepen ties during Xi Jinping's state visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a two‑day state visit to Pyongyang, his first in seven years, and was welcomed with a formal ceremony that included a military parade and a 21‑gun salute. During the summit, Xi declared China’s support for North Korea "unwavering" and pledged to expand cooperation in political, economic, cultural and security fields, affirming the two countries’ historic friendship. The joint statements omitted any reference to denuclearisation, a departure from previous agreements, and were interpreted as a diplomatic win for North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un, who stressed the strategic importance of the partnership with China. The visit underscores Beijing’s effort to reinforce its influence on Pyongyang as the regime deepens military and diplomatic ties with Russia, raising concerns about the balance of power on the Korean Peninsula.