Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit marks new chapter in China‑North Korea ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping made a two‑day state visit to Pyongyang, his first trip to the isolated neighbor in seven years. He met with North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the 1958 friendship treaty and announced a "new chapter" in bilateral relations.
The leaders pledged to deepen cooperation across politics, defence, economics, culture, science and education. Xi reaffirmed China’s support for the “one‑China” principle and called for stronger strategic coordination to ensure regional peace and stability, while noting the need to counter “hegemonism, authoritarianism and conspiracies”. Joint ceremonies included a visit to the Friendship Tower, planting a symbolic tree and a banquet attended by senior officials.
The visit occurs amid heightened scrutiny of North Korea’s growing military ties with Russia, which has prompted Chinese concerns about a shifting balance of power on the Korean peninsula. Nonetheless, both sides emphasized continued mutual support and the importance of the historic partnership for regional security.