Xi Jinping reaffirms alliance with Kim Jong-un in North Korea visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang for a significant meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the first visit by the Chinese head of state to the isolated nation since 2019. The two leaders convened at the Kumsusan State Guesthouse, according to China's People's Daily, though specific details of their conversations remain undisclosed.

Xi was formally welcomed at Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport by Kim and his wife, Ri Sol-ju. State television footage showed North Korea rolling out the red carpet and displaying large flags of both nations as Xi proceeded to Kim Il-sung Square. He also received a 21-gun salute during a military ceremony.

Analysts interpret Xi's visit as Beijing's effort to reassert its influence over Pyongyang. The relationship, despite a historical alliance, has seen periods of strain over North Korea's nuclear tests and China's deepening ties with South Korea, contrasted with North Korea's closer relationship with Russia.

In an article published by the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun, Xi advocated for reinforcing the Sino-North Korean alliance. He urged both countries to enhance coordination to counter "hegemonism" and "power politics." China serves as North Korea's primary political and economic ally, sharing a long border and playing a crucial role in supplying food and energy, although these exchanges are constrained by international sanctions related to Pyongyang's nuclear program.

The visit follows a summit between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing, where both leaders reportedly confirmed a "shared goal" of denuclearizing North Korea, a point that was notably absent from China's official readout of their meeting.

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Xi defended this Monday the continuity of the alliance between China and North Korea and urged both countries to reinforce their coordination against "hegemonism" and "policy of force."