China's Xi Jinping to visit North Korea, reaffirm alliance with Kim

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to Pyongyang next week for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un. The visit aims to revive the 65‑year‑old China‑North Korea treaty on mutual cooperation and assistance, signalling Beijing’s desire to strengthen its influence over Pyongyang amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The trip follows recent steps by China to re‑establish ties that were curbed during the COVID‑19 pandemic, including the resumption of passenger‑train services and limited Air China flights between the two capitals. Analysts note that the outreach also serves as a message to Russia, with which North Korea has deepened military cooperation, that China remains the primary regional actor regarding the North Korean regime.