Chinese president’s first foreign trip of the year highlights close ties with Pyongyang
Image: ABC News
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea on June 8-9 at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Chinese state media announced on Friday.
The visit will be Xi’s first trip to Pyongyang in seven years and his first official foreign visit of 2026.
China remains North Korea’s key economic and political ally, accounting for the vast majority of the country’s trade. The visit comes as Pyongyang continues to strengthen ties with Russia while advancing its nuclear programme.
Analysts say Beijing is seeking to maintain influence over North Korea and promote regional stability amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The high-level meeting is expected to focus on bilateral relations, regional security, and coordination on international issues.
