Chinese President Xi Jinping has described relations between China and North Korea as entering a “new historical starting point” as he arrived in Pyongyang for a high-profile summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
In remarks published by North Korea’s state media ahead of the visit, Xi pledged to deepen cooperation and expand exchanges across multiple sectors, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with its longtime ally.
The two-day visit marks Xi’s first trip abroad this year and his first visit to North Korea in seven years, highlighting the importance Beijing places on its relationship with Pyongyang amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Xi said China and North Korea should work together to promote regional stability, strengthen strategic cooperation and support a more balanced international order. He also called for opposition to actions that could threaten peace and security in Northeast Asia.
The summit comes as North Korea has strengthened economic and military cooperation with Russia, providing Pyongyang with new opportunities to ease economic pressure and expand its international partnerships. Analysts say those developments may have increased Kim’s confidence as he engages with foreign leaders.
Ahead of Xi’s arrival, North Korea put its military ambitions on display by unveiling plans for a new 10,000-ton destroyer and reiterating its position as a nuclear-armed state. The move was widely viewed as an attempt to showcase the country’s growing military capabilities before the summit.
Pyongyang also rolled out a large-scale welcome for the Chinese leader, with Chinese and North Korean flags lining major streets and public buildings across the capital.
Relations between the two countries have gradually intensified since pandemic-era restrictions were lifted. Cross-border exchanges have resumed, trade has expanded and direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang have been restored.
Observers expect discussions between Xi and Kim to focus on economic cooperation, regional security and ways to strengthen coordination between the two neighbouring states as tensions continue to shape the broader Northeast Asian landscape.
The meeting is being closely watched by regional governments, particularly as North Korea seeks to expand its diplomatic options while maintaining close ties with both China and Russia.