Xi Jinping Departs for North Korea for State Visit, Expected to Meet Kim Jong Un

Chinese President Xi Jinping departed Beijing on June 8, 2026, for a two-day state visit to North Korea, his first trip to Pyongyang in seven years. The visit, at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is seen as a reciprocal gesture following Kim's visit to China last September for the 80th anniversary of China's Victory Day.

Xi is accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, and key officials including Cai Qi, director of the Central Committee's General Office, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This marks Xi's first overseas trip of the year. Given the flight time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, Xi is expected to arrive in Pyongyang before 1 p.m. local time.

North Korea has prepared a warm welcome for the Chinese delegation. Xinhua reported that Pyongyang is ready to welcome its "esteemed guests," with Chinese and North Korean flags displayed along major streets. Photos released by Xinhua show large portraits of Xi Jinping and banners welcoming him, including one at Kim Il Sung Square that reads, "Warmly welcome Comrade Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China."

Xi Jinping contributed an article to the North Korean state newspaper Rodong Sinmun, published on the same day, emphasizing the importance of strengthening "strategic communication" and solidifying the "correct direction" of China-North Korea relations. He expressed a commitment to enhancing communication and exchanges across various sectors and implementing key agreements to inject strong momentum into bilateral ties.

The visit is expected to include a summit with Kim Jong Un, a state banquet, and potentially a mass games performance. The schedule also suggests that Kim Jong Un and his wife may personally greet Xi and Peng Liyuan at the airport, mirroring the hospitality shown during Kim's visit to Beijing.