Xi Jinping arrives in Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju greet with bright smiles

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Pyongyang Sunan Airport on Thursday for a state visit, where he was greeted by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, with applause and smiles. Kim Jong Un's personal reception of Xi signifies the highest level of protocol, emphasizing the robust relationship between North Korea and China. However, the welcoming ceremony appeared somewhat scaled back compared to the 250,000-strong crowd mobilized seven years ago.

Xi's visit marks his first time meeting Kim in Pyongyang in seven years, since his 2019 trip. The route to Pyongyang and Kim Il Sung Square, the site of the welcoming ceremony, were adorned with symbols highlighting Sino-North Korean friendship. A large portrait of Kim and Xi was displayed on the central building facing the square. Following their arrival, a cavalry unit of white horses greeted the Chinese delegation. Both leaders reviewed honor guards, listened to the national anthems of their respective countries, and a 21-gun salute was fired.

The welcoming ceremony involved a large contingent of Pyongyang citizens and children, who waved North Korean and Chinese flags, held signs reading 'Welcome' in Chinese, and carried flowers and balloons. Despite the enthusiastic reception, observers noted a reduction in scale compared to the 2019 visit. For instance, the 10,000-strong crowd mobilized for the airport reception in 2019 was absent this time. Additionally, the open-top car parade that featured Kim and Xi in 2019 was not held. The ceremony, typically held for foreign leaders at Kim Il Sung Square, was not held at the more historically significant Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, as it was in 2019, suggesting a more streamlined approach.

This perceived simplification of the welcome could indicate North Korea's growing confidence in its relationship with China, possibly influenced by its deepening economic and security ties with Russia. Following the ceremony, Xi and his wife were seen off by Kim and his wife as they proceeded to the Kumsusan State Guesthouse, the designated accommodation for foreign dignitaries. Xi's delegation includes high-ranking officials such as Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and director of the Central Committee's General Office, and Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo and Foreign Minister.