Pyongyang: Beginning a two-day state visit to North Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the new development opportunities and missions facing both nations. Just before his arrival, Xi encouraged both sides to enhance strategic communication, ensuring relations are directed appropriately and advocating for continued high-level exchanges and close contact akin to familial ties.
According to Anadolu Agency, Xi’s sentiments were echoed in an article published in Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s official newspaper. Xi stated that the relationship between China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is at a pivotal historical juncture, presenting new opportunities and responsibilities. He underscored the importance of the 65th anniversary of their Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance as a moment to bolster exchanges across party, government, and military lines, reinforcing the consensus achieved by both parties to invigorate bilateral relations.
Xi was welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at Pyongyang’s airport, as shown in footage released by the China Military Bugle, the official media of Beijing’s armed forces. Accompanying Xi were his wife Peng Liyuan, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Cai Qi, the director of the General Office of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee.
In anticipation of Xi’s visit, Pyongyang was adorned with portraits of the Chinese leader and flags of both nations, alongside banners celebrating the enduring friendship between the two countries. This visit marks Xi’s first international trip of the year, undertaken at Kim’s invitation.
During his stay, Xi will engage in talks with Kim as both nations commemorate their friendship treaty. Xi last visited North Korea in 2019, becoming the first Chinese president to do so in 14 years. His current visit occurs amid evolving regional dynamics, including strengthened ties between Pyongyang and Moscow following a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in 2024, which involves mutual defense commitments.
China continues to be North Korea’s key economic ally, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $2.79 billion last year, nearing pre-pandemic levels from 2019.