Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Pyongyang on Monday for a high-stakes, two-day state visit to North Korea, his first in seven years, drawing intense international scrutiny. Analysts view the trip as a strategic move by Beijing to reaffirm its pivotal sway over its reclusive neighbor while extending vital economic and political support.
Xi is scheduled to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the visit. This marks their first in-person summit since September 2025, when they met in Beijing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin during a military parade. China’s state-run Xinhua news agency confirmed Xi’s arrival in the North Korean capital, noting that his delegation includes his wife Peng Liyuan, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and senior Communist Party official Cai Qi.
No detailed agenda has been released, but experts anticipate significant outcomes for bilateral relations and broader regional dynamics. Both nations are seeking to strengthen their longstanding alliance as each navigates tensions with the United States. “A Chinese leader doesn’t just visit North Korea because a visit is due. Mr. Xi’s trip will have real implications for China-DPRK relations,” observed Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.
The visit follows Xi’s recent summits with U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin in Beijing last month. Xi is also slated to meet Trump again during a planned U.S. trip in September. According to Kwak Gil Sup of the One Korea Center, Xi aims to showcase China’s influence over the Korean Peninsula and assert a leadership position in Northeast Asia amid strategic competition with Washington.
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China has served as North Korea’s primary economic lifeline and diplomatic patron for decades, often softening the impact of U.N. sanctions through various forms of assistance. This year commemorates the 65th anniversary of their mutual defense treaty. Ties had shown some strain as Pyongyang deepened military cooperation with Russia, supplying troops and weapons for the conflict in Ukraine in exchange for economic and military aid.
Restoring stronger Chinese leverage over North Korea could provide Xi with valuable diplomatic cards in dealings with Trump, who has signaled interest in resuming talks with Kim. In an article published Monday in North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper, Xi called for enhanced strategic cooperation between the two countries to counter “hegemonism and coercive politics” and advance a multipolar global order.
Analysts expect Xi to extend economic incentives, including shipments of rice and fertilizers, the revival of Chinese group tours, and new joint projects. “North Korea can’t solely rely on Russia. It needs to align with China,” Kwak noted. The Rodong Sinmun editorial warmly welcomed Xi as “the most honored state guest,” describing a festive atmosphere of friendship in Pyongyang.
On the sensitive nuclear issue, Xi is expected to avoid strong pressure on denuclearization, instead emphasizing peace and stability on the peninsula. This approach aligns with Kim’s push for international acceptance of North Korea as a nuclear state to ease U.N. sanctions. Kim recently showcased advances in his nuclear program, including a new production plant and naval developments. His sister, Kim Yo Jong, has firmly rejected U.S. narratives on denuclearization.