Kim and Xi Agree to Deepen Political, Economic and Military Ties at Pyongyang Summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to expand cooperation in politics, the economy, culture and other fields during a summit in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026, Yonhap reported. The two leaders also pledged to place bilateral relations on a more solid basis and to strengthen strategic communication through high-level visits.

The meeting took place during the year marking the 65th anniversary of the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.

Xi's trip was his first state visit to North Korea in seven years; his previous visit occurred in 2019. Kim and Xi last held talks in Beijing in September. Kim described strengthening ties with China as his country's most important top-priority strategic work.

He said Pyongyang would do its utmost to turn the relationship into a model between socialist states and an invariably special, genuine and solid strategic relationship, calling the effort an immutable choice and will. Kim also said Xi's decision to make Pyongyang his first foreign destination of the year expressed top priority to the DPRK-China friendship and provided the most encouraging support to the Korean people.

Xi reaffirmed China's support for North Korea and said both sides would defend their common interests and a good strategic environment regardless of changes in the international situation.

The two sides agreed to jointly defend each other's sovereignty and security and to expand exchanges across political, economic and cultural fields. Chinese state media reported that Xi called for stronger cooperation in diplomacy, law enforcement and military affairs. On June 9, Kim and Xi paid tribute at the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, accompanied by their wives Ri Sol-ju and Peng Liyuan.

The monument honors Chinese soldiers who fought alongside North Korean forces during the 1950-1953 Korean War. At the site, Xi said the two nations should carry forward their great traditional friendship from generation to generation. The leaders also visited the ruling Workers' Party of Korea's Central Leadership Academy, believed to be the first such visit by a Chinese leader.

They observed a class on North Korea-China relations and planted a tree on campus. Xi is scheduled to depart for China later on June 9.