Xi Jinping Makes First Visit to North Korea Since 2019, Reaffirming Mutual Defense Treaty

Chinese President Xi Jinping ended a two-day visit to Pyongyang on Tuesday, his first official trip to North Korea since 2019. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted Xi with a red-carpet arrival, elaborate performances and an evening banquet on Monday. State media reported that the two leaders reaffirmed their countries' close relationship.

At the banquet, Xi said China and North Korea are "linked by mountains and rivers and share a common destiny," according to state outlet Xinhua. Kim stated that North Korea would continue to uphold its friendship with China as a top priority and reaffirmed support for Beijing's "One China" principle.

The leaders reached an "important consensus" to deepen high-level exchanges and people-to-people bonds, state media reported.

They also noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of their defense pact, the only such agreement China maintains with any country. On Tuesday, both leaders visited the Friendship Tower commemorating Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War. They also stopped at Pyongyang's top cadre school and planted a fir tree symbolizing their "evergreen friendship," Xinhua reported.

Xi stayed at the Kumsusan State Guest House, a residence reportedly built in 2019 for his previous visit. The site has hosted other foreign leaders in the past. State media readouts made no mention of North Korea's nuclear program or denuclearization.

Xi was accompanied by senior officials including his de facto chief of staff Cai Qi, defense minister Dong Jun, foreign minister Wang Yi and commerce minister Wang Wentao. Kim told state news agency KCNA that Xi's choice of Pyongyang for his first state visit of the year showed the "utmost importance" placed on bilateral ties. No concrete agreements were announced during the trip.