Xi Ends Two-Day North Korea Visit After Talks on Trade and Security

Chinese President Xi Jinping ended a two-day visit to North Korea on Tuesday after meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Both sides described the relationship as stable and agreed to increase economic and security cooperation. Xi called the meeting a new historical starting point. Official statements said the two countries discussed trade, tourism, investment, and education exchanges.

Relations between the two governments have fluctuated since 2012. North Korea conducted nuclear and missile tests during this period, prompting United Nations sanctions that China supported. A former U.S. State Department official with more than 50 years of experience analyzing North Korea said ties remain functional despite past tensions.

The official noted that both governments accept they must maintain contact as neighbors.

The same official said military cooperation between the two countries is the main area of outside concern. Next month's 65th anniversary of a defense treaty between Beijing and Pyongyang may indicate whether cooperation is expanding. The official also said China's visit occurred as Russia increased its contacts with North Korea through weapons and financial support.

Beijing seeks to remain the primary external influence on Pyongyang's decisions.