Xi Jinping Visits North Korea for First Time in Seven Years to Shore Up Ties with Kim Jong Un

Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang marks his first trip to North Korea in nearly seven years and his first overseas visit of 2026, underscoring the strategic importance Beijing places on the relationship. Ahead of his arrival, Xi published a commentary in North Korea's state newspaper pledging 'unwavering' friendship and deeper bilateral cooperation, including in the military sphere. Analysts say North Korea now holds more leverage over China than during Xi's last visit in 2019, owing to its deepened partnership with Russia, advances in its nuclear program, and a relatively improved economy. Kim Jong Un dispatched troops to support Russia in Ukraine, and in return is believed to have received private Russian concessions on its nuclear status — something North Korea may now seek from Beijing as well. China has historically opposed North Korea's nuclear tests, but analysts say its current stance is ambiguous, and Pyongyang appears intent on clarifying Beijing's position during the summit. Beijing is also expected to seek North Korean alignment on Taiwan and push back against Japan's growing defense posture, while managing escalation risks on the Korean Peninsula. Some analysts suggest Xi may also be carrying a message from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has signaled openness to renewed diplomacy with Kim, though Pyongyang has insisted Washington drop its denuclearization precondition first.