Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are set to hold talks in Beijing, China’s foreign ministry confirmed Thursday, during Kim’s rare foreign visit — his first trip to China since 2019.
Kim arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, marking only his second known trip abroad in six years. His presence at Wednesday’s grand military parade — where he appeared alongside Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin — was the first time the three leaders were seen together at a single public event.
During the parade, China showcased its military prowess, including underwater drones, long-range missiles, and laser weaponry, sending a clear message of unity among the trio amid growing tensions with the West.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed that Xi and Kim “will hold talks and have an in-depth exchange of views on China-DPRK relations and issues of common concern.” He added, “China is willing to work with the DPRK to strengthen strategic communication and deepen the exchange of experience in governance.”
China remains North Korea’s most important ally, with their relationship rooted in their shared history from the Korean War in the 1950s. Beijing continues to provide vital diplomatic, economic, and political backing to Pyongyang, which remains under heavy international sanctions.
Kim briefly engaged in international diplomacy from 2018–2019, including multiple summits with then-US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, but largely retreated from the global stage after talks with Trump broke down in Hanoi in 2019.
This renewed contact with China — and Kim’s joint appearance with both Xi and Putin — is seen as a strong signal of deepening ties between the three nations amid shifting global alliances
