Kim Jong-un Hosts Xi Jinping in Pyongyang as North Korea Accelerates Nuclear Expansion

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un began a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026. m. Korea time, Yonhap reported.

Xi arrived earlier that day for a two-day state visit. Kim made a rare public appearance at the airport to greet him, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju. Xi was joined by his wife Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, director of the general office of the Communist Party's central committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The two leaders shook hands after Xi descended from the aircraft. North Korean children presented bouquets to Xi and Peng. A red carpet had been laid out and large national flags of North Korea and China were displayed on the terminal building.

Xi later attended a welcome ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square. The North Korean military fired a 21-gun salute while a band played the national anthems of both countries. Accompanied by Kim, Xi inspected the honor guards of Pyongyang's three armed services.

After the ceremony, the Chinese first couple was driven to the Kumsusan State Guest House. North Korean people lined both sides of the road and waved as the motorcade passed. Xi last visited Pyongyang on June 20-21, 2019.

The leaders most recently met in September when Kim traveled to Beijing for China's Victory Day celebrations, where he stood alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a military parade. Kim has made five trips to Beijing to meet Xi since taking power after the death of his father Kim Jong-il in December 2011.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between Pyongyang and Beijing.