Xi Jinping visits North Korea, pledges deeper China-DPRK ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Pyongyang for a bilateral summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, where both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, agriculture, technology, and strategic matters. The visit marks Xi's first trip to North Korea since 2019 and comes amid broader geopolitical competition between China and Russia for influence in the region. The summit underscores China's role as North Korea's primary diplomatic backer and economic lifeline, with estimates suggesting the DPRK depends on China for up to 95% of its total trade.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang for a two-day bilateral summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during which both leaders committed to expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, construction, and technology. Xi expressed China's willingness to strengthen strategic cooperation while safeguarding mutual sovereignty and security interests. Kim Jong Un reaffirmed North Korea's support for the "One China principle" regarding Taiwan and pledged backing for China's core interests. The visit featured ceremonial displays including a red carpet reception with military officers, Chinese and North Korean flags, and flower presentations. Xi was accompanied by senior officials including Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The summit occurs at what Xi described as a "new historical starting point" in bilateral relations, with both leaders emphasizing the "invincible" and "unbreakable" nature of their countries' friendship. The visit follows Xi's recent separate meetings with US President Trump and Russian President Putin in Beijing, reflecting broader great-power competition for influence over North Korea.
What different sources said
- Deutsche WelleCenter
North Korea, China agree to boost ties as Xi makes rare visit
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