What we know about Chinese leader’s visit to North Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded a significant two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first official trip to the isolated nation since 2019. During his stay in Pyongyang, Xi met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with both leaders reportedly achieving an "important consensus" on advancing the relationship between their countries into a "new era."

The summit aimed to elevate the long-standing partnership between China and North Korea. State media captured images of Xi and Kim appearing cordial, shaking hands after Xi received a lavish welcome ceremony. According to Chinese state media, Xi emphasized the need for strengthened exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement, and the military. He also called for expanded economic cooperation, highlighting the recent resumption of flights and train services between Beijing and Pyongyang after a six-year hiatus caused by pandemic-related border closures.

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important consensus

While official readouts from both sides stressed the deepening of friendly relations and increased cooperation, there was no explicit mention of North Korea's nuclear weapons development. This omission is noteworthy, particularly as the White House had previously stated that Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump shared a goal of denuclearizing North Korea. Kim Jong Un has consistently vowed never to relinquish his nuclear arsenal.

Beijing remains Pyongyang's largest economic partner, with estimates suggesting China accounts for nearly all of North Korea's annual foreign trade. The resumption of transport links in March was a key step in normalizing economic activity after years of international sanctions and border restrictions.

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should strengthen exchanges in diplomacy, law enforcement (and) the military and expand economic cooperation