North Korean capital stages formal welcome for Chinese leader

Crowds waving flags and carrying flowers lined the streets of the North Korean capital as the Chinese leader arrived for a two-day state visit, the first in seven years. After landing at the airport, the visitor and accompanying spouse were greeted by the North Korean leader and spouse with a handshake before a nine-column motorcade escorted them to Kim Il-sung Square.

Ceremony details At the square, a formal welcome included a red carpet, 21-gun salute, cavalry formation, and military band playing both countries’ national anthems. The two leaders watched a parade and reviewed a guard of honour that shouted wishes for the visitor’s health, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

” The motorcade then took the visitors to the Kumsusan state guest house for an overnight stay. The ceremony closely mirrored the reception given to the Russian president during a 2024 visit.