Xi Jinping visits North Korea, urges deeper strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first foreign trip of the year to North Korea, arriving in Pyongyang for the first time in seven years. During a two‑day state visit he met with leader Kim Jong Un, calling for a "strong push" to deepen the strategic coordination and cooperation between the two countries. Xi said China is ready to broaden collaboration in sectors such as economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, and construction.

The visit coincided with the 65th anniversary of the China‑North Korea friendship treaty and featured extensive ceremonial displays, including a joint tree‑planting ceremony and state dinners. While the leaders discussed political and economic ties, public statements omitted any reference to North Korea’s nuclear programme, reflecting Beijing’s careful stance on the issue. Analysts view the trip as a signal of China’s intent to position itself as a stabilising mediator in East Asia amid rising US‑China tensions and to reaffirm its role as North Korea’s primary economic and diplomatic partner.