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Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit North Korea next week, according to state media reports Friday. This visit marks a significant diplomatic move as Xi’s first trip to Pyongyang in seven years and his initial official international journey this year. The trip is set for June 8-9, prompted by an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Beijing plays a crucial role in supporting North Korea both politically and economically, with China accounting for up to 95% of North Korea’s total trade and 85% of its exports, based on 2022 data from a Washington-based think tank. Despite North Korea’s international isolation and sanctions, the country has strengthened its ties with Russia recently, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Pyongyang providing military support and aid in return.
The upcoming summit signifies China’s increasing global diplomatic presence, coming after Xi hosted parallel summits with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last month. Experts suggest Beijing aims to deepen its influence over Pyongyang, positioning North Korea closer within China’s broader diplomatic strategy.
Xi last met Kim in September, during a military parade in Beijing honoring the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II. Prior visits by Chinese leaders to North Korea, such as Hu Jintao in 2005, have been infrequent, with Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan visiting North Korea in 2019 to celebrate their “unbreakable friendship.”
China’s foreign policy approach involves monitoring North Korea’s rapidly progressing nuclear program to prevent actions that could lead to regional instability or conflict, aligning with mutual interests. Kim Jong Un declared plans to significantly expand North Korea’s nuclear capabilities during a recent visit to a new atomic facility.
South Korea’s government expressed hope that increased exchanges between North Korea and China could promote peace and stability, but North Korea continues to dismiss engagement efforts, viewing Seoul as its most hostile rival. Analysts interpret Xi’s diplomatic activity as part of China’s effort to position itself as a stable, strategic alternative to the U.S., with broader outreach to traditional U.S. allies such as the U.K. and France.
However, the likelihood of Beijing facilitating a summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un remains low, according to experts.
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