Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to strengthen cooperation across political, economic and cultural areas during a summit in Pyongyang, marking a new stage in relations between the two countries.
The meeting was Xi’s first visit to North Korea in seven years and took place as both sides highlighted their long-standing partnership. North Korea’s state media said the leaders agreed to increase strategic communication through exchanges between senior officials.
Xi said he wanted to promote further progress in China-North Korea relations, while Kim pledged support for Beijing’s “One China principle,” according to North Korea’s official KCNA news agency.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sit facing each other during talks, amid Xi’s state visit to Pyongyang, North Korea, June 8, 2026, in this picture released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA. REFILE – FIXING HEADLINE TO “STATE VISIT TO NORTH KOREA”.
Focus on trade and strategic cooperation
China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, and analysts said economic issues, including trade and tourism, were likely among Beijing’s priorities during Xi’s visit.
Chinese state media highlighted possible cooperation in areas including trade, agriculture and restoring transport links between the two countries.
However, analysts noted differences in how the two sides presented the summit. North Korean media portrayed the relationship as one between equal partners, emphasizing national dignity and a “special relationship” with China.
Beijing’s messaging focused more on practical cooperation and broader state-to-state relations, analysts said.
The flags of North Korea and China are waved on stage during a performance at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 8, 2026, in this picture released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA. REFILE – FIXING HEADLINE TO “STATE VISIT TO NORTH KOREA”.
“North Korea removed elements that could make it look like a subordinate, dependent or beneficiary party, and rewrote the relationship as one between equals,” said Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
Friendship symbols and diplomatic messages
During the visit, Xi and Kim attended a performance featuring Chinese and North Korean songs celebrating bilateral friendship.
The two leaders also planted a fir tree at a political training school, which Chinese state media described as a symbol of “ever-renewing friendship.”
Xi later visited the Sino-Korean Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, which commemorates Chinese soldiers who died during the Korean War.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and his wife Ri Sol Ju walk together as they attend a performance at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium, during Xi’s state visit, in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 8, 2026, in this picture released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA.
At a banquet hosted by Kim, Xi said the relationship had reached a “new historical starting point” as the countries marked the 65th anniversary of their friendship treaty.
Nuclear issues not mentioned
Despite the high-level talks, North Korean media did not mention whether the leaders discussed Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program or relations with the United States.
Analysts said the lack of reference suggested China wanted the visit to focus on bilateral ties rather than wider security issues.
North Korea’s nuclear program has remained a central issue in its relations with Washington. During his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump met Kim Jong Un three times as part of a diplomatic effort that later collapsed over demands for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.
Trump has said he would be willing to restart talks with Pyongyang.
Analysts said Xi’s visit could be important ahead of any possible future U.S.-North Korea engagement, but questioned whether Beijing would play a direct role in restarting negotiations.
Xi was expected to return to China on Tuesday afternoon after completing the visit.
