Xi Jinping visits North Korea for the first time in seven years, pledging 'unbreakable' friendship to Kim Jong Un

The arrival in Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan landed in Pyongyang on Monday for a two-day state visit, the first by a Chinese leader to North Korea in seven years. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju greeted the couple personally at the airport. A large welcoming ceremony followed at Kim Il Sung Square, attended by thousands of people, including children cheering the leaders. The Chinese motorcade, escorted by a motorcycle formation, drove through the capital's triumphal arch. Streets were decorated with flags of both countries and banners proclaiming the friendship between the two nations.

Pledges of 'unbreakable' friendship

During the talks, Xi assured Kim of China's support regardless of how the international situation changes, according to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua. He committed to helping Kim lead North Korea's socialist course and promised closer cooperation in trade, agriculture, technology, diplomacy, law enforcement, and military affairs. Kim described the bilateral relationship as "unbreakable." In an article for the North Korean party newspaper Rodong Sinmun published before the visit, Xi wrote of an "invincible and lasting friendship" and "new development opportunities" for the two neighbors.

No matter how the international situation changes, China will uphold the traditional friendship and support Comrade Kim Jong Un in leading the socialist course of North Korea.

The Russia factor

Xi's visit comes as North Korea has significantly expanded its ties with Russia. Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with large quantities of ammunition and artillery shells, and has sent up to 15,000 soldiers to support Russian forces. Analysts suggest China feels sidelined by this growing partnership. John Delury of the Asia Society told Reuters that the visit is an "enormous success" for Kim, allowing him to project strength domestically by showing that a nuclear power has friends at the top of world politics. Choo Jae-woo, a professor at Kyung Hee University's Institute of China Studies, told DW that China "clearly feels ignored by North Korea."

Kim Jong Un can use this domestically for propaganda purposes and show: 'We are a nuclear power and have friends at the top of world politics.'

Nuclear stance and regional signals

A day before Xi's arrival, Kim Yo Jong, the politically influential sister of Kim Jong Un, dismissed diplomatic efforts for North Korea's nuclear disarmament. She described the country's status as a nuclear weapons state as an "irreversible reality — regardless of whether others recognize it or not." In his Rodong Sinmun article, Xi also spoke out against "hegemonism and power politics," phrasing that Beijing frequently uses to target the United States without naming it directly. The visit marks the 65th anniversary of the Sino-North Korean friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance treaty, China's only formal military alliance.

North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state is an irreversible reality — regardless of whether others recognize it or not.

Geopolitical implications

Experts emphasize the broader significance of the meeting. Mitch Shin, a researcher at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, noted that Kim's decisions have "direct implications for Euro-Atlantic security." North Korea continues to expand its nuclear arsenal despite UN sanctions, increasing its threat potential toward the United States and its allies South Korea and Japan. Kim has also become more confident in leveraging his growing geopolitical influence, even toward his primary protector, China. The visit is officially framed as an effort to elevate bilateral relations to a new level and promote peace and stability worldwide, according to a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.