Pyongyang, June 9: North Korea and China have committed to elevating their relationship to new heights, agreeing to enhance cooperation in political, economic, and cultural sectors. This agreement was reached during a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang. Notably, there was no discussion regarding North Korea’s nuclear program. Prior to Xi’s visit, Kim had stated that his country would not abandon its nuclear status under any circumstances and would not tolerate threats.
Xi Jinping was warmly welcomed in Pyongyang during his first state visit in seven years, which took place on June 8-9. Both leaders described this meeting as a new chapter in bilateral relations, emphasizing the need for strengthened high-level contacts and strategic dialogue in the future.
According to North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, as reported by Yonhap News Agency, both nations pledged to continue supporting each other’s sovereignty, security, and developmental interests. Kim Jong-un highlighted the relationship with China as one of his country’s top strategic priorities, stating that the ties between Pyongyang and Beijing would serve as a model for cooperation among socialist nations.
This visit comes at a time when North Korea and China are working to reinforce their relationship, which had cooled in recent years due to North Korea’s growing closeness with Russia. Experts believe that Xi’s visit is a significant step towards re-establishing China’s influence over North Korea.
Kim praised Xi’s decision to choose Pyongyang for his first foreign visit in 2026, noting that it reflects China’s prioritization of friendship with North Korea and support for its people. Xi assured that regardless of international circumstances, Beijing remains committed to safeguarding the shared interests of both countries and maintaining a favorable strategic environment.
Reports indicate that both nations agreed to strengthen mutual contacts through high-level visits and regular dialogue, as well as to enhance cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields while jointly defending each other’s sovereignty, security, and developmental interests.
During the talks, there was no mention of North Korea’s nuclear program or the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. In contrast, during his visit in 2019, Xi had supported the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
On Tuesday, both leaders paid tribute at the Friendship Tower, a monument dedicated to Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War, accompanied by their wives, Ri Sol-ju and Peng Liyuan. They also visited the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Leadership Academy and planted a tree as a symbol of friendship. Xi remarked that both countries should pass on this friendship from generation to generation.
According to reports, they also planted a sapling dedicated to their friendship. Xi is scheduled to return to Beijing on Tuesday evening.