Xi Jinping arrives in North Korea for rare summit with Kim Jong Un amid shifting Pyongyang-Moscow ties
Chinese leader Xi Jinping landed in North Korea on Monday for a rare meeting with Kim Jong Un, a trip Western diplomats say is driven by Beijing's concerns over Pyongyang's deepening partnership with Moscow.
The visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in North Korea on 8 June 2026 for a meeting with leader Kim Jong Un. The visit is a rare one, and comes just one week after Xi met Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Strategic calculations
Seoul believes Xi may attempt to position China as a mediator between North Korea and the United States. However, Western diplomatic sources told the BBC that Beijing has other motives, having become increasingly concerned about the growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
China has become increasingly concerned about the growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
After his meeting with Putin, Xi may want to ensure he keeps Kim in check, especially as Beijing increases its presence on the global stage.
Kim's pragmatic choice
For Kim, China remains the pragmatic choice. The North Korean leader cannot afford to alienate his biggest source of aid. If the war in Ukraine ends, Russia's need for North Korean support could diminish, leaving Kim at risk of relying on a weakening partner.
