Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea deepens China‑North Korea partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first visit to North Korea in seven years, meeting Kim Jong un in Pyongyang on June 8‑9, 2026. The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in politics, economics, culture and defence, and pledged to strengthen “strategic coordination” and “friendship that will never change.” Xi said the friendship between China and the DPRK “will not change” despite any international developments. The summit produced a “new historical starting point” for bilateral ties, with proposals to increase diplomatic exchanges, trade, agriculture, construction, science, health and technology cooperation. The visit follows Xi’s recent meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring Beijing’s aim to keep North Korea within its sphere as a regional buffer against U.S. influence. Analysts note the trip signals China’s intent to reaffirm its strategic partnership with Pyongyang while managing growing Russian‑North Korean ties and the broader security dynamics of East Asia.