China-North Korea Ties Strengthened as Xi Jinping Visits Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi Jinping described the relationship with North Korea as “invincible” ahead of his first trip to Pyongyang in seven years, signaling a push to deepen political dialogue and bilateral cooperation. The remarks were published in North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun and are seen as a reaffirmation of Beijing’s strategic support for Pyongyang amid heightened regional tensions.

At the same time, North Korean officials reiterated that the country’s nuclear programme is “absolutely nonnegotiable.” Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said the nuclear deterrent will be expanded “exponentially,” following the unveiling of a new weapons‑grade uranium enrichment plant and orders to more than double missile production over the next five years. Analysts view the timing as an effort to bolster North Korea’s negotiating position ahead of Xi’s visit.