Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to North Korea on June 8-9, where he is scheduled to meet with the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un. The visit will mark Xi’s first trip to Pyongyang since 2019.
Analysts say, Xi’s visit reflects Beijing’s efforts to maintain and strengthen its influence on the Korean Peninsula, particularly as North Korea continues to expand its cooperation with Russia.
The high-level talks are expected to focus on bilateral relations, regional security, economic ties, and the 1961 China-North Korea mutual defense treaty, which remains a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The visit also comes against the backdrop of North Korea’s ongoing expansion of its nuclear program. Just days ago, Kim Jong Un inspected a new nuclear facility and emphasized the need for the country’s nuclear capabilities to grow rapidly and significantly. International observers believe such statements are intended to strengthen Pyongyang’s negotiating position ahead of the talks.
At the same time, high-level contacts between Beijing and Pyongyang have intensified over the past year. In September 2025, Kim Jong Un visited China and attended events marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan in World War II, including a military parade alongside Xi Jinping and the Russian president.
The upcoming summit is expected to demonstrate how successfully China can maintain its influence over North Korea amid growing geopolitical competition in the region.
