Chinese President Xi Jinping makes two-day state visit to North Korea

On June 8, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang for a two-day state visit to North Korea. He was welcomed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, at an official ceremony featuring a 21-gun salute, a guard of honor, and massive public demonstrations at Kim Il Sung Square. This is the first visit by a Chinese leader to the country since 2019, amidst a shifting regional geopolitical landscape. The delegation includes high-level officials such as Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Discussions are expected to address denuclearization, relations with the United States, and tensions with South Korea. The visit follows separate meetings held by Xi in Beijing with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Analysts suggest Beijing is attempting to reassert its influence over its ally, which has recently deepened military ties with Moscow. Meanwhile, North Korea has reportedly revised its constitution to remove references to reunification with South Korea.