Xi Jinping visits North Korea, expands China‑North Korea cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang for a two‑day summit, his first official visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea since 2019. He met leader Kim Jong‑un and the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in politics, economics and culture, and to strengthen strategic communication through high‑level visits. Xi reaffirmed the “traditional friendship” between China and North Korea, stating that it is “always invincible” regardless of changing international circumstances. The leaders also reiterated support for the one‑China principle and discussed ways to expand trade, agriculture and transport links; China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner. The visit came after Xi’s separate meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and follows growing Russian ties with the DPRK.

Analysts noted the trip underscores Beijing’s continued diplomatic backing for the isolated regime amid sanctions and stalled nuclear talks, while also aiming to secure practical economic benefits for both countries.