Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to North Korea on 8-9 June, his first trip to the country since 2019. The visit highlights improving ties between Beijing and Pyongyang after a period in which North Korea strengthened relations with Russia. Analysts say the trip is intended to demonstrate China’s continued importance in regional security, while also boosting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s domestic and international standing.
Xi’s visit comes shortly after meetings in China involving both the US and Russian presidents, underscoring North Korea’s place in a shifting geopolitical landscape. Although North Korea was not a major focus in official summaries of Xi’s talks with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Beijing’s decision to prioritize Pyongyang for Xi’s first overseas trip of the year is being viewed as a signal of China’s intention to maintain influence on the Korean Peninsula.
Experts cited by regional media suggest Beijing is seeking to reinforce its position as North Korea deepens ties with Moscow. For Pyongyang, hosting Xi offers an opportunity to demonstrate that it remains strategically important to both China and Russia rather than being solely aligned with Moscow.
The visit also raises questions about North Korea’s nuclear programme. While the White House recently said Trump and Xi reaffirmed a shared goal of denuclearising North Korea, Beijing has largely avoided public references to denuclearisation since 2023. Analysts interpret this as a sign that China may have quietly accepted North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state.
Pyongyang has repeatedly stated that its nuclear status is irreversible. Just days before Xi’s visit, Kim pledged to expand the country’s nuclear arsenal following an inspection of a newly launched nuclear material production facility. Some experts believe China would have reassured North Korea that denuclearisation would not be publicly demanded during the visit.
Both governments are expected to emphasize their longstanding partnership. Recent statements from Xi and Kim have described stronger bilateral relations as a strategic priority, with both sides stressing cooperation amid what Beijing calls a changing and turbulent international environment.
Attention will also focus on Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, who is increasingly visible at major political and diplomatic events. Observers will watch whether she takes part in welcoming Xi, a move that could further fuel speculation about her future role in North Korea’s leadership.
The visit is expected to reaffirm China-North Korea ties and strengthen coordination between the two neighbours. It may also signal Beijing’s determination to remain a central player in Korean Peninsula affairs despite evolving regional alliances and global tensions.
