Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have agreed to deepen bilateral ties through enhanced defence pacts and new economic and trade agreements, raising serious concerns in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan while drawing close attention in Washington.
Though details of the agreements remain difficult to independently verify, state-controlled media reports suggest the two sides have reached understandings on mutual defence cooperation and expanded trade.
Observers note that nuclear negotiations, which neighbouring countries and the United States had hoped for, were not part of the discussions.
The visit allows China to maintain strong influence over North Korea, while Kim Jong Un secures economic benefits and crucial political backing from Beijing.
This was Xi Jinping’s first visit to North Korea in seven years. The two leaders last met in Beijing in September 2025 during a military parade.
Upon his arrival at Pyongyang International Airport on Monday, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were warmly received by Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju, who smiled and clapped as they greeted the Chinese delegation.
After their meeting, Kim described China as North Korea’s most important ally. Xi expressed willingness to expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, construction and technology, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
Xi emphasised that the two countries should strengthen strategic cooperation and firmly safeguard their respective sovereignty and security interests.
Xi is scheduled to return to China today after a successful two-day visit — his first to North Korea since 2019. The two countries continue to regard each other as close friends.
Kim Jong Un called Xi “the greatest state guest” and said the Chinese leader’s decision to visit North Korea as his first foreign destination this year represented “the most encouraging support” for his country.
