North Korea and China cement strategic partnership as Xi Jinping meets Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Pyongyang Sunan Airport on August 8 and was received by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol‑ju amid applause and a military salute. The ceremony was smaller than the 2019 visit, but the two leaders proceeded to the Kumsusan Guesthouse for a summit.

During the talks, Kim said the North‑China friendship would remain “the most important strategic undertaking” and pledged to “strengthen political, economic and cultural exchanges.” He also affirmed full support for the “One China” principle. Both sides declared a “satisfied consensus” and agreed to deepen their strategic relationship, expand cooperation across multiple fields, and jointly protect regional peace and development. The meeting coincided with preparations for the 65th anniversary of the North‑China friendship treaty.

The visit underscores Pyongyang’s effort to balance its relations with China while seeking broader security and economic backing, and it signals a continued alignment between the two socialist states on regional and international issues.