North Korea and China deepen strategic cooperation during Xi’s rare visit to Pyongyang, while remaining silent on denuclearisation.
Image: CNN
North Korean state media (KCNA) said Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed on a “far-reaching blueprint” to expand and deepen bilateral relations during Xi’s recent visit to Pyongyang.
According to KCNA, both leaders expressed satisfaction with their talks and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic, and military cooperation. They described their relationship as a traditional friendship and pledged to develop it into a more “powerful strategic partnership” aimed at regional stability.
Xi’s visit followed meetings with several global leaders in Beijing, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During his stay in Pyongyang, Xi and Kim attended symbolic events, including visits to party institutions and historical memorials highlighting China–North Korea ties.
Chinese state media reported that the two sides reached key understandings on enhancing relations “in the new era,” with an emphasis on closer coordination between their governments and armed forces.
Notably, official reports from both countries made no mention of North Korea’s nuclear programme or denuclearisation, despite its central role in past international negotiations. Analysts suggest the omission may indicate a more tacit acceptance of North Korea’s nuclear status.
China remains North Korea’s most important economic partner, accounting for the vast majority of its foreign trade, even as Pyongyang has recently expanded cooperation with Russia.
