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.

Red-carpet welcome for Chinese leader

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.

Leaders expected to discuss regional security

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.

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North Korea signals strength ahead of summit

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.

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