Key facts
- President Xi Jinping visited North Korea for a two-day summit with Kim Jong Un.
- The leaders agreed to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across various sectors.
- Kim Jong Un pledged support for China's 'One China principle'.
- Xi Jinping notably omitted any public mention of North Korea's nuclear program.
- North Korea declared its nuclear program irreversible.
Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a two-day state visit to North Korea, his first in seven years, which aimed to elevate bilateral ties. Xi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held summit talks, agreeing to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in politics, economy, and culture. Kim Jong Un pledged full support for Beijing's 'One China principle.'
Notably, Xi Jinping conspicuously omitted any public mention of North Korea's nuclear weapons program during the summit, a key point of international concern. North Korean state media KCNA reported that the leaders agreed to develop bilateral relations into a new chapter. Analysts observed differing portrayals of the summit, with North Korean media emphasizing an equal partnership and Chinese media focusing on practical state-to-state ties.
During the visit, Xi also visited a war monument, emphasizing shared history and sacrifices. Ahead of the summit, North Korea declared its nuclear program "irreversible," challenging US calls for denuclearization. Xi is staying at the Kumsusan State Guest House and received a formal welcome ceremony in Kim Il-sung Square. Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing’s commitment to North Korea and its leader Kim Jong-un was “unwavering” as he began his trip.