China's Xi vows unwavering support for North Korea's Kim in rare Pyongyang visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on June 8 for a two-day state visit, his first to North Korea in seven years, where he reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to safeguarding its strategic partnership with the isolated nation. During the summit, Xi told Kim Jong Un that China would not waver in supporting Kim’s leadership or abandon efforts to protect shared interests, including sovereignty, security, and development. The meeting underscored China’s stance against U.S. hegemony and militarism, framing North Korea as a key ally in countering regional instability. Xi’s visit included a red-carpet welcome at Kim Il Sung Square, where a 21-gun salute and mass celebrations marked the occasion, with state media showing children presenting flowers and crowds chanting slogans. The leaders pledged to deepen cooperation across sectors, including diplomacy, military exchanges, trade, and technology, while emphasizing fair multilateralism and inclusive economic globalization. Xi also noted that ties between the two nations were at a ‘new historical starting point,’ reflecting renewed border crossings and resumed flights between Beijing and Pyongyang after pandemic restrictions. The summit follows Pyongyang’s recent military and economic engagements with Russia, which have bolstered Kim’s confidence amid international isolation. Analysts described the visit as a strategic move to reinforce China’s alliance with North Korea, particularly in opposing U.S. influence and its regional alliances. Xi’s delegation included high-ranking officials such as Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun, signaling the visit’s diplomatic and military significance. Since Xi hosted Kim at a Beijing military parade last year alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, bilateral exchanges have revived, including resumed trade and cross-border travel. The leaders also discussed expanding people-to-people connections, though no specific agreements were announced. The visit concluded with both sides reaffirming their shared goal of long-term regional peace and stability, positioning North Korea as a critical partner in China’s broader geopolitical strategy.