Beijing/Pyongyang — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in North Korea on Monday for a rare and highly symbolic state visit, marking his first trip to the isolated country in seven years.
Xi was welcomed at Pyongyang airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and First Lady Ri Sol Ju in a tightly choreographed ceremony that reflected the strong political messaging behind the visit. Footage from state media showed Kim and Ri applauding as Xi’s aircraft landed, followed by a formal reception featuring bouquets presented by North Korean children.
Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were later escorted into a grand welcome ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square. The event featured mounted cavalry, massed crowds waving flags and flowers, and large portraits of both leaders displayed prominently above the square.
A 21-gun salute marked the formal start of the ceremony, after which the two leaders reviewed an honor guard that reportedly shouted, “We wish Comrade Xi Jinping good health,” according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
Xi’s visit comes at a time of shifting global alliances and increasing geopolitical tensions. It is his first overseas trip this year, following recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing.
In a statement published ahead of the visit, Xi emphasized the long-standing relationship between China and North Korea, saying the “traditional friendship remains unbreakable, enduring, and constantly radiates vitality,” regardless of global changes.
The trip is widely seen as an effort by Beijing to reaffirm its role as North Korea’s most important diplomatic and economic partner, despite Pyongyang’s growing ties with Russia in recent years.
Nuclear Concerns and Regional Tensions
The visit also comes amid heightened concern over North Korea’s expanding military and nuclear programs. Just a day before Xi’s arrival, North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong Un inspected a major munitions facility and was briefed on increased production of ballistic and cruise missiles.
Earlier reports indicated that Kim also visited a nuclear materials facility and vowed to rapidly expand the country’s nuclear arsenal.
It remains unclear whether North Korea’s nuclear program will be formally discussed during the talks. However, China is believed to be cautious about Pyongyang’s weapons expansion, which contributes to regional instability and draws increased U.S. military attention to the region.
Balancing Alliances
Xi’s visit highlights North Korea’s ongoing effort to balance relations with both China and Russia while navigating international isolation. Moscow and Pyongyang have significantly strengthened ties in recent years, including a mutual defense agreement signed in 2024.
China, however, remains North Korea’s most critical economic lifeline and a key political ally. Analysts say Beijing is seeking to reassert its influence and ensure Pyongyang does not drift too far into Russia’s orbit.
A Symbolic Milestone
The timing of the visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of the 1961 China–North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, a historic agreement that underpins their alliance.
Xi and Kim last met in 2025 during a major military parade in Beijing, where they appeared alongside other world leaders in a rare display of unity.
As global power dynamics continue to shift, Xi’s visit underscores Beijing’s intent to remain a central player in shaping regional stability on the Korean Peninsula.
