Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping Hold Summit in Pyongyang, Vow to Deepen Strategic Partnership

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026. Xi arrived in the North Korean capital hours earlier for his first state visit in nearly seven years. Kim said deepening ties with China is his country's top policy priority.

He described developing friendship between the North and China as "the people's choice and the calling of the times," according to China's Xinhua News Agency. " He reaffirmed support for Beijing's "One China" principle and pledged to help safeguard China's core interests. Kim vowed to make the relationship between North Korea and China an exemplary one between nations.

He said the two sides should jointly contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity. Xi said China remained firmly committed to protecting North Korea's interests. He pledged to expand practical cooperation across the economy, trade, military, science and healthcare.

"No matter how the international situation changes, the Chinese party and government's firm commitment to safeguarding the shared interests of the two countries and preserving a favorable strategic environment will not change," Xi said. Xi called for maintaining high-level exchanges as guidance and building on the foundation of political mutual trust.

He urged stronger coordination across diplomacy, law enforcement and the military.

Xi said both countries should stand firm in defending each other's sovereignty, security and development interests. He added that China was ready to work with Kim to chart the course of bilateral relations from a strategic perspective and push for greater development of their relationship. A file photo carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Sept.