Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un vow to deepen China–North Korea ties after Pyongyang visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations following Xi’s two-day official visit to Pyongyang, marking his first trip to North Korea since 2019.

The visit, which concluded on Tuesday, featured high-profile diplomatic engagements, including a red-carpet welcome, ceremonial events, and elaborate performances hosted by Kim Jong Un in honour of the Chinese leader.

Although no major agreements or concrete deals were announced, both sides underscored the importance of their long-standing partnership. According to North Korea’s state media KCNA, Kim Jong Un said Xi’s decision to choose Pyongyang for his first state visit of the year reflected the “utmost importance” China places on bilateral ties.

At a banquet held during the visit, Xi Jinping described China and North Korea as nations “linked by mountains and rivers and sharing a common destiny,” according to Chinese state media Xinhua. He further emphasised the need to deepen high-level exchanges and strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Kim Jong Un reiterated that relations with China remain a top priority for Pyongyang and reaffirmed support for Beijing’s “One China” principle. He also highlighted that the visit took place amid global “upheaval in international affairs,” portraying the relationship as a stabilising force for both nations.

The visit comes as China seeks to reinforce its influence over North Korea, a key but unpredictable regional ally that has increasingly aligned itself with Russia in recent years. Analysts view the trip as an attempt by Beijing to reaffirm its role as Pyongyang’s primary strategic partner.

During the visit, Xi was accompanied by senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defence Minister Dong Jun. The two leaders also jointly visited the Friendship Tower, which honours Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War, and planted a fir tree symbolising enduring friendship.

Despite the public displays of unity, differences between the two countries remain. While China has historically encouraged North Korea to follow a reform-oriented development model, Pyongyang has continued to prioritise its own political and economic path, including its nuclear programme, which remains a major point of international concern.

The visit concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation and celebrate the 65th anniversary of their defence treaty, the only such pact China maintains with any country.