Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday (8 June) for a rare summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, receiving a grand welcome as he described relations between the two countries as being at a "new historical starting point".
The two-day visit is Xi's first trip abroad this year and his first to North Korea in seven years. It comes as Pyongyang strengthens economic and military ties with Russia, while China seeks to reinforce its influence over its long-time ally.
In comments published by North Korea's ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, Xi said Beijing remained committed to deepening cooperation with Pyongyang.
China's policy towards North Korea was "unwavering", he said, adding that both countries would strengthen exchanges across all sectors.
"We must oppose hegemony, authoritarianism and all attempts and conspiracies to revive militarism that endanger regional security and stability," Xi said.
Xi was greeted at Pyongyang airport by Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, alongside a military honour guard.
Footage broadcast by Chinese state media showed children presenting bouquets of flowers as military bands played the national anthems of both countries.
The welcoming ceremony continued at Kim Il Sung Square, where a 21-gun salute was fired and crowds gathered beneath giant portraits of the two leaders. According to state news agency Xinhua, spectators chanted slogans and released colourful balloons.
Chinese and North Korean flags lined major roads across the capital ahead of Xi's arrival.
Xi is accompanied by First Lady Peng Liyuan, senior Communist Party official Cai Qi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Xi and Kim are expected to hold talks during the visit, with regional security and economic cooperation likely to feature prominently.
The summit comes at a time when North Korea's growing relationship with Russia has helped strengthen its economy and international standing.
Analysts say the meeting highlights Beijing's continued strategic interest in Pyongyang.
"The Xi-Kim summit is a reminder that Beijing still sees Pyongyang as a strategic asset," said Craig Singleton, a senior China fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
He added that China, North Korea, Russia and Iran share an interest in countering U.S. influence and weakening Washington's alliances.
Xi also pledged to work with North Korea to promote what he described as fair and orderly multilateralism and inclusive economic globalisation.
"His visit is about keeping the tradition alive in very different conditions than his last trip," said John Delury, a senior fellow at the Asia Society.
The visit comes as North Korea seeks to project confidence both at home and abroad.
On the eve of Xi's arrival, Pyongyang unveiled plans for a 10,000-ton naval destroyer and reaffirmed its status as a nuclear-armed state.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, North Korea's nuclear arsenal has likely increased to around 60 warheads, up from about 50 a year ago. The institute also said Pyongyang appears to be expanding production of fissile material used to build nuclear weapons.
North Korea has also resumed cross-border exchanges with China after years of restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, Air China restored direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang.
Sydney Seiler, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said improving ties with China and Russia could affect North Korea's willingness to engage with the United States and South Korea.
"The sustainability of improved North Korea-Russia and increasing North Korea-China relations may influence just how long Kim can continue to ignore Washington and Seoul," he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" swee...
Russia’s fuel shortages are spreading into Central Asia, exposing the region’s heavy reliance on Russian petrol and diesel as governments race to ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment